Posted 11 years ago
suegray
(4 items)
this fabulous fob wax seal appears to be made of steel and the little handle is typical of 18th century fob wax seals. it measures 1 1/8" tall and the matrix measures 3/4" by 7/8"
I'm still looking to learn more about it because a friendly collector suggested maybe it has some tie to King Charles I since there are many other similar commemorative rings and such out there.
this fob seal looks as if it was kept close to its original owner… just look how worn and thin the little loop at the top has become… now I'll keep it close, too!
Sure hope somebody comes up with some good suggestions on this one. Very interesting.
Did you know that in Freemasonry and the Knights Templar, the skull and crossbones is an emblem of our limited opportunity to do good?
Interesting suegray. Is there a source to study that?
I'm sure the skull & crossbones represents an occupation. It is on many ancient gravestones in the UK. I'm certain it is that of a surgeon or a doctor. The crown, I cannot comment but only hazard a guess. Nice piece!
Frankie, we see this on many old markers (2-300yrs old) & explained to me that it showed mortality. Made sense to me.
blunderbuss… I have been searching for the source of that info and finally found it here: "symbols of freemasonry" by daniel beresniak on p.22.
there is a skull and crossbones, amongst other symbolic items, in the chamber of reflection for masons just before initiation. the combination of all items symbolize "that nothing is intrinsically good or bad, but people can make things good or bad depending on how they use it."
my comment/interpretation may have been a stretch of the above quote.
on gravestones, the skull and crossbones is a memento mori ~ its purpose is to remind the viewer that death is an unavoidable part of life, something to be prepared for at all times. the tradition started during the middle ages in europe and was common through the 19th century. I could not find any info about it representing an occupation but that doesn't mean it's not out there.
Thanks suegray. I have seen these symbols on a lot of 300 yr old grave markers & of course the locals all have a diff. idea they present as fact. Be nice to know the truth. Some of their remarks match your supposition.
http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/sociopolitica/esp_sociopol_skullbones06.htm