Seal Detail

An unusual and rather impressive 19th century tortoiseshell, gold and gem-set figurine desk seal, the handle of finely worked tortoiseshell of graduating colour, fashioned into a lifelike infant of happy nature, the eyes and ear embellished with diamond-like gems, the stem tapering to a gold collar and integrated circular matrix engraved with a cypher BS.

Although it may seem rather macabre for us sensitive 21st century folk to have a seal of a lost child, this was quite a recognised practise in Victorian times in a way to celebrate a lost child. This is particularly the case when the child is smiling and is embellished with gems. And what a beautiful seal it is with the highly tactile nature of polished tortoiseshell and the semi-translucent nature of the upper half.

Seal Specification

Height:  92mm

Diameter of matrix:  15mm 

Weight:  54g