THE SEAL OF THE BARON PAUNCEFOTE

Seal Detail

A fine 19th century agate, gold and bloodstone armorial desk seal, the handle of banded agate of mainly red hues, of tapering baluster-form, finely carved with multiple polished facets, terminating in a stepped collar above a gold mount with scalloped rim, the rectangular bloodstone matrix with rounded edges engraved with arms comprising crest of a lion rampant arg ducally crowned or, holding between its paws an escutcheon, also or, thereon a wolf's head proper, within a belt and garter and motto reading PENSEZ FORTE (Think hard) surmounted by a baron's coronet.

The seal of The Baron Pauncefote (Sir Julian Pauncefote, P.C, G.C.B, G.C.M.G.), of Preston, co. Gloucester (1828-1902), married 14 September 1859, Selina Fitzgerald, daughter of Major William Cubitt, of Catfield, Norfolk and hence had 4 children.  He was raised to the peerage on 18 August 1899.

A very fine seal, with superb agate handle and unusual but distinctive gold collar.  All in superb condition.

Seal Specification

Height:  95mm

Diameter of matrix:  16mm x 18mm 

Weight:  209g