Seal Detail

A fine looking hardstone and gold personal desk seal dating to the 19th century and English in style, the handle comprised of jasper of various hues ranging from pale grey to near-black, of faceted baluster form with flattened top, to a gold mount chased with heavily ornate decoration including central scallop shell, outward-curling scrolls and a foliate border, around the hexagonal matrix, set in bloodstone with a crest of a lion passant under a scroll-motto reading:

SEMPER FIDELIS "always faithful", with stylised initials below, at base (possibly) H.J.D.

Seal Specification

Height:  88mm

Collar:      9mm

Diameter of matrix:  12mm x 18mm

Weight:  48g