THE SEAL OF THE 4TH EARL OF BRADFORD c1900

Seal Detail

A gold mounted bloodstone desk seal, English, circa 1900, with simple pommel handle, the gold collar and cushion cast with lobes and flutes, the oval matrix of unusually red-speckled bloodstone with faceted rim, engraved with a full achievement of arms incorporating shield, supporters and motto below and earl's coronet.

The motto reads: NEC TENERE, NEC TIMERE (Neither rashly nor timidly)

The arms are those of Bridgeman for the second generation of the Earls of Bradford (1815).  Unusually, the arms also include a badge of baronetcy (the red hand of Ulster).  It must be supposed that this refers to the original Bridgeman of Great Lever baronetcy (1660).  

This seal is most likely made for the George, the 4th Earl of Bradford who succeeded his father, Orlando Bridgeman, the 3rd Earl, in 1898.

Presented in superb condition.

Seal Specification

Height:  82mm

Diameter of matrix:  21mm x 24mm 

Weight:  74g