Early 18thC Steel Triple Cherub Looking For Lost Heart Wax Seal

Seal Detail

A special little seal, this one; dating to the early part of the 18th century, the steel triple spinning wax seal is of Continental origins, the handle formed of a steel frame comprised of twin struts, ornately fashioned with floral overtones with a suspension loop at the top and a central spring-loaded threaded column with a lifting ball-structure to lock the revolving triple faces below which are pinned on each end. Two of the three matrices have been cut, as follows:

• An armorial shield comprising a leaping collared dog below a winged helm and crested with a repeat of the same leaping collared dog with decorative mantling, within a beaded border
  
• A central depiction of a winged cherub pointing towards a pile of heaped hearts on a ground under a motto within a lined border reading: JE CHERCHE UN FIDELE (I am looking for someone who is faithful).  In his other hand, is held a flame - with which to set alight the chosen heart.......!

Seal Specification

Height: 45mm

Diameter of matrix:  16mmx20mm 

Weight 28g