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 own seal, for instance bearing their initials. This wheel is interesting because it provides its owner with 5 different seals, all with their own appropriate motto, to choose from.
Its mechanism is made of pinchbeck, an alloy that was used as a substitute for gold, which has a faceted purple glass handle. The wheel is set with five intaglio's of different gemstones, each depicting a different motto.
The intaglios depict the following:
-Amethyst: A dove carrying a letter, reading 'Repondez Vite' translating to 'Reply Soon'.
- Blue/green agate: A candle being snuffed, reading: 'Bon Soir' translating to 'Good Night'.
- Rock crystal with a coloured foiled background: Ivy wrapping around a tree, reading: 'Je Meurs Ou Je M'Attache' translating to: 'I Die or I Get Attached'
- White Chalcedony: The sun behind a cloud, reading: 'Je Reviendrai' translating to 'I will Return'.
- Citrin: Cupid sitting on the Devil's back, reading: 'Le Diable Emporte L'Amour' translating to 'The Devil Carries Love Away'.
The fact that each motto is in French does not mean it was necessarily used by a Frenchman: French was the common language used by the upper classes all throughout Europe, and this seal was originally part of the collection of a Dutch noble family.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 86 x 33 mm.
Weight: 43 grams
Age: Early 19th Century, also known as the Georgian era, circa 1820s.
Material: Pinchbeck, glass, and various gemstones.
Condition: In good antique condition with minor signs of wear, consistent with its age. One of the seals had a repair in the past, in which likely iron was used, since the setting of this seal has a dark green patina, which stands out from the other settings.
Please note that this store is based in the EU. Buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import duties and VAT.