An ebony and steel desk seal, believed to be of originally Russian origin, with a finely engraved matrix displaying a sentimental message matrix.

Seal Detail

An elegantly fashioned ebony and steel desk seal, the smooth ebony handle of slender, rounded-top form, tapering to a banded steel collar and integral oval polished steel matrix, very well engraved with a decorated central shield comprising a cypher reading MJM surrounded by a stylised inscription in French reading:

ELLE ADOUCIT LES PEINES DE L'ABSENCE (It reduces the pains of being separated)

with a splendid image of a hurrying, leaping poodle dog with a letter held in its jaw.  This charming sentimental message is made more special for the inclusion of the poodle and one can only wonder at who the owner MJM was.......

Seal Specification

Height 100mm (3.93")

Diameter of matrix 25mmx29mm (0.98"x1.14")

Weight 49g (1.72oz)