Seal Detail

A most interesting large brass 19th century ecclesiastical desk seal matrix, the handle now missing leaving a brass misshapen collar to a large oval brass matrix ensigned by a tasselled episcopal hat with chain supporting a cross resting on a cypher: JHS, the initials of Our Lord, outer circumscription within a beaded border reading:

JUANN. FRANC. MANFREDO ET BALLESTAS D. ETSAP. C: EP. MIRIOPR. COADJ. DIOEC. DE PANAMA

The seal of John Francis Manfred y Ballestas, Bishop of Panama (August 21, 1781 – April 21, 1850) who succeeded as Archbishop in 1848. 

Seal Specification

Height:  20mm

Diameter of matrix:  70mm x 85mm

Weight: 250g