c1833 Antique Desk Seal for Charles Callis Western, Ist Baron Western

Seal Detail

A most impressive looking wood and silver c1800 desk seal, the handle of flat top form made from labernum wood, a tapering stem to a silver cushioned and profiled, matted collar and oval matri of carnelian hardstone, well engraved with a full achievement of arms, including motto reading:

NEC TEMERE NEC TIMIDE (Neither rashly nor diffidently)

The arms are those for Charles Callis Western, the 1st and last Baron Western.

This seal was undoubtedly commissioned by Charles Callis Western (born 9th August 1767 died 4th November 1844), the 1st and last Baron Western, of Rivenhall in the county of Essex within the Peerage of the United Kingdom on the 28th November 1833.  Charles was the eldest son of Charles Western, of Rivenhall, aforesaid and his wife, Francis Bollan, the daughter and heiress of William Bolland, of London.  He was a landowner and Whig politician who sat in the House of Commons notably for Maldon and latterly for Essex.  He lost his seat in 1832 when it was abolished as a consequence of the passing of the Great Reform Act of that year.  The following year, he elevated to the peerage.  Charles never married, so his peerage fell into extinction for the want of a male heir upon his death in 1844.

The family of Western had lived in Rivenhall since the middle of the 16th century, although Charles lived at nearby Felix Hall, near Kelvedon at the time of his death.  It is stated that the family of Western were established in the City of London during the reign of King Henry VII. A beautiful seal in excellent condition with an interesting matted cushion, good history and well proportioned. 

Seal Specification

Height:  40mm

Diameter of matrix:  29mmx23mm 

Weight:  49g