One of a collection that we recently acquired in France, these are all sold separately but I'll write about them in general so be sure to look through the many enlarged photos in our listing. This one with no monogram or armorial style seal that we normally see on these. All dating to the mid-late 1800s we think and all are in wonderful condition. Lovely decorative accents, jewelry almost. Before adhesive envelopes became common, letters were folded, tied with ribbon or string, and secured with melted sealing wax. The owner would press the engraved face of a seal into the warm wax, leaving a unique impression that identified the sender, helped show whether the letter had been opened, added a mark of authenticity to documents and conveyed social status and personal taste. These type of seals were usually suspended from a gentleman's watch chain (the "fob"), making them readily available whenever correspondence needed sealing. Back in the day, pocket watches were an essential accessory for gentlemen in the Georgian and Victorian periods. The chain often carried several useful ornaments, including a wax seal, watch key (before keyless winding became standard, small lockets, charms and intaglios or decorative pendant. A well-appointed watch chain was something of a personal toolkit and status symbol.
Very good to excellent condition. I see no damage to note, see images for enlarged photos and all measurements & details. No noticeable wear to the gold plating.
