Georgian Horse Head Armorial Intaglio Desk Seal C.1770-1800 Scottish Interest

Georgian Horse Head Armorial Intaglio Desk Seal c.1770-1800 Scottish Interest

A rare late Georgian armorial desk seal dating to the late eighteenth century, circa 1770-1800, modelled as a bridled horse head.

Finely formed in copper alloy, probably brass, the horse displays raised ears, an expressive open mouth, detailed eyes and nostrils, bridle, bit and an incised mane.

The neck rises above a circular collar and waisted stepped base terminating in an engraved intaglio matrix.

The matrix contains two shield shaped cartouches beneath elaborate heraldic and foliate ornament.

Traditional Association

The seal is traditionally associated by repute with the Abercromby family of Tullibody, Scotland, and historically linked with Lieutenant General Sir Ralph Abercromby KB, 1734-1801.

Sir Ralph was the son and heir of George Abercromby of Tullibody and married Mary Anne Menzies of Ferntower in 1767.

Current heraldic research has not established a conclusive match between the matrix and the recorded Tullibody arms. The specific Sir Ralph attribution therefore remains unverified.

Date

Late eighteenth century, circa 1770-1800, provisional.

Material

Copper alloy, probably brass.

Provenance

By repute from a private Scottish estate.

Subsequently with a Scottish antiques dealer.

Thereafter in the collection and inventory of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.

Dimensions

7 cm high x 5.5 cm long x 2.6 cm wide.

Weight approximately 180 grams.

Condition Report

Good antique condition with attractive historic patina, rubbing, scratches and darker oxidation.

The matrix retains old deposits and reddish and greenish traces within the engraved recesses. Expected wear is present around the matrix edge and raised areas of the horse.

These deposits have not been definitively identified as sealing wax and may include historic sealing material, corrosion products or accumulated deposits.

Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available.

Owing to the compact dimensions and substantial solid construction of the desk seal, it will be professionally packaged using appropriate protective materials and dispatched fully insured.

International buyers are welcome. Please contact us for a destination specific delivery quotation or to discuss any particular shipping requirements.

Certificate of Sale and Dealer Attribution

The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale and Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD, recording the artworks catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.

Attribution and Research

The historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.

These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.

Delivery shipping information

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD ship worldwide, using fully insured and online tracked delivery services like DHL, DPD, Parcelforce or Fedex also the British Shop. We offer Free national Delivery to England mainland, Wales mainland & Scottish lowland mainland areas only.

We offer Free UK mainland delivery only, international shipping to USA, Canada, Europe. All other countries rest of the world please get in touch for a shipping quote.

Great care and much time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art & Antique pieces which we sell.

We bespoke pack & wrap extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in great as described condition.

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items which can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approximate. 2-5 working days for the United Kingdom mainland & International delivery between 5-14 working days.

Returns Policy

We offer a 14-day money-back refund policy

(excluding the cost of Postage & Packaging costs & any duties, taxes customs charges paid on buyers behalf or buy the buyer direct ).

CONTACT US:

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Tel: 07494763382

Outside the UK:

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Customs Payment & Brexit

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs clearance charges and any other customs charges which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.

Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.

If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.