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 19th-century wax seal wheel was not only practical for that purpose, but was also an impressive little object to display on one's desk.
This desk wheel is fitted with six seals of alternating yellow and purple paste, each bearing an intaglio that depicts a different motto, of which five are written in French and one in German. In this particular case, it is interesting to note that most seals have a motto that relates to nature: this likely tells us something about the interests of the original owner!
Its mechanism is made of ormolu, a gilding technique that was used as a substitute for gold, and it is fitted with a mother-of-pearl handle.
The seals depict the following:
- Yellow paste: A ship on choppy waters: 'Telle est la vie' (Such is life).
- Purple paste: A flower hiding amongst tall grass: 'Qui me cherche me trouve' (Who looks for me, will find me).
- Yellow paste: A setting sun: 'Adieu au revoir' (goodbye, so long).
- Purple paste: A harp: 'Je repond a qui me touche' (I respond to those who touch me).
This seal still contains some traces of red sealing wax. I can easily clean this for you, but for now, I kept it since I find this tiny trace of past usage very charming. - Yellow paste: A flower basking in the sun: 'Ohne Dich Sterbe Ich' (without you, I die).
- Purple seal: Two willows, separated by a river 'Le destin nous separe, Le penchant nous unit' (fate parts us, desire unites us).
Please note that this seal is chipped: this can be seen in the pictures.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 9,3 cm long: each seal measures 13 x 11 mm.
Weight: 28.65 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. One seal is chipped; this can be seen in the picture.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes. 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.