Seal Detail

An early 18th century (or late 17th century) wood and brass episcopal desk seal, the handle of mushroom top, spooled tapering stem to a brass collar and integral oval matrix, engraved with a mitred episcopal achievement; a quartered shield bearing trefoils, with a small central escutcheon charged with a small church; with an outer inscription  within a lined border reading:

SIGIL CARTUS VALLIS PROFUNDAE

Whilst a standard work interprets "Vallis Profundae" as the Benedictine house of Val de Grâce in Paris, this is actually the seal of a Carthusian house, one of two of that name (Val de Grâce) in Bruges; either the male or female. The cypher MA at the head indicating Maria. 

Seal Specification

Height:  72mm

Diameter of matrix:  27mm x 31mm 

Weight: 41 g