This 19th-century wax seal wheel was used in the 19th Century to close personal letters with hot wax. It offers eight ready-to-use seals with several apt, often humorous, mottos that could be selected depending on the content or receiver of that specific letter. The motto’s appear in mirror image, so that they can be read when they have been pressed in wax.
This particular example likely belonged to someone of Scottish origin who loved books, since two of the seals depict Scottish symbols, and two others depict famous writers, one of Scottish origin. The seals can be unscrewed, so it is possible that the original owner was able to choose six specific seals, depending on their interest.
The seals depict the following:
- The blue glass seal on one side depicts a forget-me-not flower with text ‘Forget Me Not’.
- The black glass seal on the other side depicts a thistle flower, the symbol of Scotland.
The six seals on the wheel depicts the following:
- An open hand palm, depicting a heart – ‘Love Truth’.
- An eye of providence.
- Shakespeare – a portrait of the writer.
- A forget-me-not flower – ‘Forget me Not’.
- A crowing rooster – While I Live I’ll Crow.
- Sir Walter Scott – a portrait of the Scottish historian and novelist.
Please note that I have added mirrored images, so you can read the seals.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 28 mm in diameter. Each seal has a diameter of 10 mm.
Weight: 18.14 grams
Age: 19th Century, circa 1840s.
Material: Brass.
Condition: In good antique condition with minor signs of wear, consistent with its age.
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