01.
Late 18thC French, Ebony & Silver Armorial, Motto Desk Seal - MENSURA PONDUS
Seal Description
A fine ebony and silver late 18th century, likely French, desk seal, the handle of slim baluster form with rounded top and stem to a circular banded collar and oval matrix, engraved with a central motif of a set of suspended weights with a motto above reading:
JN MENSURA PONDUS
under a helm and floral mantling within a lined border.
An interesting seal which poses a question due to the motto used which is unclear as far as the initials JN. The remaining inscription, "Mensura Pondue" appears to be a misunderstanding or a mix of two terms related to measurement: "Mensura" which means "measure" in Latin, and "Pondere" which means "weight" in Latin.
"Mensura" is used in the context of measurement tools like the Rosti Mensura kitchen scale, measuring cups, and measuring spoons. These tools are designed to provide accurate measurements for various ingredients in the kitchen. "Pondere" is part of the Latin phrase "pondere, numero, et mensura", which means "by weight, number, and measure". This phrase was used in the past to determine the value of things that could be measured or counted, like grain, wine, or money.
Therefore, it is suggested that the initials JN relate to the owner's name and the weights and motto indicating the trade of the owner as an official weigher, perhaps.
The seal is presented in excelletn condition
Seal Specification
Height: 80mm
Diameter of matrix: 19mmx22mm
Weight: 36g
