What is an antique wax seal?

An antique wax seal is a personal stamp used to leave an impression in hot sealing wax on letters and documents. These pieces typically date from the Georgian and Victorian periods, taking the form of pocket fobs or desk seals.

How were wax seals used?

They were pressed into melted sealing wax to secure the closure of letters and add a personal or familial mark of authentication. Many examples also doubled as vesta cases or held sealing wax wicks inside fitted desk accessories.

What materials are used in antique seals?

Makers utilised a variety of metals including solid sterling silver, bronze, gold cased metal, and 9ct gold. Handles and intaglios also incorporate natural materials such as carnelian, green agate, amber, mother of pearl, and treen.

How do I identify a Georgian seal?

Georgian seals often feature distinct armorial designs, horse head motifs, or early fob pendant forms dating from the late 18th to early 19th century. They rely on hand-carved stone intaglios and simpler, classic mountings compared to later Victorian figural novelties.

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An antique wax seal is a personal signet or desk accessory used to authenticate correspondence, prized for its detailed intaglio matrix and tactile history.