This 19th-century wax seal wheel is not only practical, but also an impressive little artwork to display on one's desk!
In the early 19th Century, letters were often sealed with hot wax. Most avid letter writers would have their personal seal, for instance, bearing their initials.
This desk wheel is fitted with six seals: one depicting the capital letter 'D', and the other five set with paste seals, each bearing a different motto. Its mechanism is made of ormulu, a gilding technique that was used as a substitute for gold, which has an orange paste handle.
The intaglios depict the following:
- Purple paste: A ship on choppy waters: 'Telle est la vie' (Such is life).
- Black paste: A scissor 'We can part to meet again'.
- Blue paste: a table mirror with a motto that is too worn to read.
- Purple paste: a klimop: In adversis fida' (Faithful in adversity)
- Black paste: a column: 'Secure Whilst Efficient'.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 10 cm long: each seal measures 10 x 9 mm.
Weight: 33.90 grams
Age: Early 19th Century, also known as the Georgian era, circa 1830s.
Condition: In good antique condition with signs of wear, consistent with age. The ormolu frame is still sturdy; one setting has minor traces of oxidation.
Some of the seals are in poor condition: the blue seal is quite worn, and both purple seals have a chip at the side. You can see their condition in the last picture.
Please note that this shop is based in the EU. Although antiques are exempt from taxes in most countries, buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import duties.