Pinchbeck and Citrine Six Matrices Spinning Wheel Seal
A stunning spinning wheel desk seal made with a Pinchbeck gold wheel and collar coupled to a tapering and faceted citrine or coloured glass handle. The wheel comprises six individual matrices, each one showing a different sentimental image or picture. The intricate nature of the craftmanship displayed on the wheel gives an indication to the quality of the piece.
Seal Detail
The spinning wheel offers six individual matrices, in both subject and material used. They comprise the following:
| Bloodstone |
BRIGHTER HOURS WILL COME |
| Crystal/Glass |
FAITHFUL EVEN IN ADVERSITY |
| Citrine |
FORGIVE AND FORGET |
| Chalcedony |
JE RESPONDE A'QUI ME TOUCHE |
| Blue agate |
SEMPER EADEM |
| Amethyst |
UNE LETTRE ADOUCITES PEINES DE L'ABSENCE |
The intricately carved wheel with its particularly ornate spokes provide a very attractive setting for the six sentimental matrices, which would undoubtedly be used by the owner when replying to personal correspondence, depending on which sentiment was wanted. The pinchbeck gold was a technology invented in the early 18th century by Christopher Pinchbeck (died 1732), a London clock and watch-maker who wanted to develop a means of providing a gold-looking object but without the associated cost of the 18 carat gold which was typically used. In his version of Pinchbeck, a combination of copper and zinc was used to provide for areas that could be treated but without the cost nor the risk of theft, for example on carriages.
Seal Specification
Height: 95mm (3.74")
Width of wheel: 30mm (1.18")
Weight: 39g (1.37oz)
Condition: The whole is presented in excellent original condition. The body of the wheel appears free from any defect and the mechanism run smoothly. Each of the five matrices are intact and appear to be damage free. The citrine/glass handle is intact although some scratches and cuts are evident especially on the edges - see photographs.
