This 19th-century wax seal wheel is not only practical, but also an impressive little artwork to exhibit 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 wheel is interesting because it provides its owner with six different seals, all with appropriate mottoes to choose from.
Its mechanism is made of ormulu, an gilding technique that was used as a substitute for gold, which has purple paste handle. The wheel is set with seven paste intaglio's, each depicting a different motto.
The intaglios depict the following:
- Bloodstone paste: 'Pensez Aux Suites' (Think of the consequences).
- Blue paste: A ship on stormy waters with the motto: 'Telle Est La Vie' (Such is life).
- White paste: A harp with the motto: 'Je réponds à la touche' (I respond to the key).
- Orange chalcedony: Ivy climbing around a tree: 'Je Meurs ou je m'attache' (I Die or I Get Attached' or more literal: I will die if I cannot be with you).
- Purple paste: A letter with the motto: 'Un Lettre A Doucit Les Peines de L'absence' (A letter to soften the pains of absence).
- Black chalcedony: A compass, with the motto: 'Etourdi Mais Constant' (moving but constant).
- Red paste: 'Je Crains Tout' (I fear everything).
All mottos are depicted in mirror image, making them readable when pressed in hot wax: please note that I have flipped the image of the intaglios to make them readable.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 110 x 43 mm: each seal has a diameter of 16 mm.
Weight: 54 grams
Age: Early 19th Century, also known as the Georgian era, circa 1830s.
Condition: In great antique condition with only minor signs of wear, consistent with age.