c1848 English Ebony & Steel Desk Wax Seal - Seal of Bishop William Ullathorne

Seal Detail

A rare wood and steel desk seal, English, circa 1848, the ebonised wood handle of mushroom form with rolled rim and central protrusion, tapering stem, irregularly reeded steel collar, the circular matrix engraved with a shield ensigned by a mitre and stole and bordered with an inscription in gothic capitals:

+SIG: R: D: GULIELMI: BERN: VIC: AP: DIST: CENTRALI: ANGLIAE

The seal is that of Bishop Willian Bernard Ullathorne, OSB, whilst Roman Catholic Vicar Apostolic of the Central District (1848-1850).  Ullathorne was born in Pocklington, Yorkshire, in 1806.  As a young man, he went to sea for two years as a cabin boy but entered the Benedictines on his return to England in 1823.  He was ordained in 1828 and became Prefect of Students at Ampleforth.  He volunteered for service in the Australian mission and was sent to Mauritius in 1833.  On his return he agitated for the abolition of the transport of criminals to the colonies.  He was consecrated Vicar apostolic, first of the Western (1845) and then the Central of Midland District of England.  He was chosen by his fellows in 1848 to go to Rome to secure the restoration of the hierarchy in England and on its proclamation by Pius IX he became the first catholic Bishop of Birmingham from 1850 to 1888.  Bishop Ullathorne died at Oscott College, near Birmingham, in 1889, having retired and been appointed Titular Bishop of Cabasa.

The seal is presented in excellent condition  save for some minor historic damage to the underside of the wood handle.

Seal Specification

Height:  mm

Diameter of matrix:  mm 

Weight:  g