Posted 10 years ago
metalcorset
(13 items)
From my collection is this memento mori wax seal fob. It is dated to the second half of the 18th century.
The matrix depicts several unique devices including a crowned skull and crossbones, sovereign's orb, fleur de lis sovereign's scepter and the Latin motto: MEMENTO MORI. It is made of steel and measures 3 centimeters in height.
Upon researching, I emailed the Curator of Collections with the Jamestown Rediscovery Archeological Program, in Jamestown, VA, and learned that it is quite probable this wax seal fob is responsible for making this seal impression on a 1759 indenture document: http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1759-vellum-deed-red-wax-seals-skull-and-crossbones
I still have several questions related to the devices, and will continue to add information while furthering my investigation into this enigmatic wax seal. fob.
If anyone has any pertinent information related to this wax seal fob, I would be very interested in hearing from you and offer my thanks in advance.
So, is this(seal) like a note in letter that king is immortal?
Or mortal?
Hi Vintage_Joe,
I'm not sure, but if I had to guess, it's a death seal mourning a sovereign.
I'm hoping that sovereign to be King Charles I-beheaded in 1649. It would be way beyond cool if it's a Royalist Sympathizer to Charles I wax seal.
I'm hoping that even though this wax seal was responsible for an impression made on a 1759 indenture document, it still could've been used for more than a hundred years following the beheading.
I have no knowledge of items in this category, but, it is a very intriguing item indeed.