Product Information
Product code: ES6657 Categories: Antique, Antique Pendant, Objet D'art, Swivels & Seals.$3,250.00
Here is a very unique and large 12ct gold antique seal from the 1870’s that is so special and will certainly make a statement when it is worn on a chain around the neck.
Seals have been used for centuries as a way to prevent someone from tampering with a letter by quite literally sealing the envelope in wax and pressing the seal in which would break once the letter is opened.
This antique seal is just incredible for so many reasons. To begin with it is very large for a seal. The base of the seal is made from chalcedony which is a from the quartz family and has been used for centuries in seals do to its hardness, and measures 26.4mm by 22.6mm and is engraved with the initials “LP” and from the base measures 34mm tall or 53mm to the top of the split ring which is attached and can so easily come on and off.
The split ring itself is incredibly large and has the exquisite engraved design that mirrors the seal and complements both items so well. These large antique split rings alone are becoming so hard to find and to get one that is original to the seal is quite a find indeed. Please note that the split ring does not stand up on its own, but has been photographed in the upright position to show how it would look hanging from a chain.
Then there is the gold content which is 12ct gold which was used for a brief period along with 15ct gold from 1854 until 1931 and this seal has such a wonderful warm colour to it combined with the quite rare gold content makes this even more unique and special.
With such an incredible pattern and a massive split ring to match, this is a truly incredible antique seal from the Victoria era that is just so special.
Stock# ES6657
Circa: 1870
$3,250
Description
Brief history on seals.
For centuries, letters have been closed, hot wax dripped onto the back of the envelope, and a seal pressed into the still warm was leaving an imprint of the seal. This would prevent anyone from opening the seal as once opened, this would break the wax seal.
Often the seals were engraved with an intaglio of a family crest or initials that would further prevent the letter being opened then re-sealed by someone else.
12ct gold antique seal from the 1870’s