What is a sterling silver seal used for?

These items were utilised to impress a personal crest, monogram, or mark into molten sealing wax to secure correspondence and documents. Beyond functional use on the writing desk, many examples served as decorative desk accessories, pocket watch fobs, or dining implements like seal top spoons.

How do I date a silver seal?

Dating relies heavily on the hallmarks struck into the sterling silver, which identify the specific assay office and year of production. Stylistic markers, such as the Victorian figural designs or Edwardian novelty animal motifs, also provide a reliable guide to the period of origin.

What are novelty desk seals?

Novelty seals are figural pieces shaped as animals, literary characters, or caricatures popular during the Edwardian era. Makers like Sampson Mordan produced these intricate designs to add humour and personality to the writing desk. Subjects ranged from owls and hatching chicks to figures like Mr Punch and William Shakespeare.

Are sealing wax holders separate from seals?

Some pieces serve solely as holders for sticks of sealing wax, while others combine the wax compartment with a vesta case, a wick holder, or the seal matrix itself. Combination items allowed writers to keep their matches, wax, and stamp in a single coordinated desk accessory.

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These sterling silver seal pieces bring tactile weight and personal history to the desk, offering collectors a tangible link to centuries of correspondence.

Antique Elizabeth I Sterling Silver Seal-top Spoon (1585)

16th century

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Antique Elizabeth I Sterling Silver Seal-top Spoon (1585)

From AC Silver

£5,950

3+ MONTHS AGO

silver

1900 - 1920

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Sampson Mordan Silver Wax Holder and Seal

From Digby Antiques (Wiltshire)

£295

3+ MONTHS AGO

silver

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Sterling Silver Seal

Antique Elizabeth I Sterling Silver Seal-top Spoon (1585)

Sampson Mordan Silver Wax Holder and Seal

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