This 19th-century wax seal travel set was used in the 19th Century to close personal letters with hot wax. This set offered ready-to-use seals with several apt, often humorous, mottos that could be selected depending on the content or receiver of that specific letter.
This partially gilded brass case has been intricately worked on all four sides. One side depicts Cupid, standing resting on his bow, the other side shows to doves, one feeding the other, and at the bottom a resting dog, the symbol of faithfulness. All this romantic iconography might indicate that the set was gifted by a lover.
Inside are six brass double-sided seals, giving twelve seals to use in total. These are:
- A prancing lion: 'Ami fidele, Enemi implacable’ (faithful friend or implacable enemy)' / ‘Lundi' (Monday).
- A jumping horse: 'Je Suis Libre!' (I am free!) / A swallow: 'Le froid me chasse' (the cold chases me away).
- Cupid riding/taming the devil / Mercredi (Wednesday).
- A quill 'Toujours Sincere’ (always sincere) / A harlequin: 'Toujours Gai’ (always cheerful).
- ‘La mort c'est bien l'oubli c'est tout’ (death is oblivion, that is all) / a hunting dog.
- An oak leaf with the motto 'Brisez' (break) / two clasped hands ‘Amitie’ (friendship).
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 63 x 18 x 16 mm. Each seal measures 10 x 9 mm.
Weight: 22.60 grams
Age: 19th Century, circa 1840s.
Material: Partially gilded brass.
Condition: In good antique condition with only minor signs of wear, consistent with its age. All seals are in good condition, some have some patina that could easily be cleaned, but I have left them in original condition for now. The casing itself is slightly bend, as can be seen in the pictures, but all elements still function securely.