ANTIQUE LATE 17THC FRUITWOOD AND BRASS TOWN DESK WAX INK STAMP

Seal Detail

A fine example of a 17th century Germanic town stamp, the handle of an interesting corkscrew handle form fruitwood with rather attractive patina, tapering stem to a brass collar and circular matrix, well engraved with the central depiction of a town comprising town hall with civic arms in the centre, with hand and rose flower either side of the spire. The circumscription within a  lined border reads:

ALTENBLEIHHAUSGASSEZ: 

It is not known exactly the function of the stamp but the emphasis of the town building suggests a civic function as with the hand, rose and armorial detail.  The inscription however, suggests the old part of the town and there has been some suggestion that it relates more generally to a specific  SEELHAUSGASSE which refers to a civic building housing the elderly, sick and infirm whom would be tended to by nuns.  Without doubt, this stamp would benefit from further research and its true identity come to light.  In superb original, patinated condition.

Seal Specification

Height:  80mm

Diameter of matrix:  24mm 

Weight:  45g