Lot Essay
A similar Chelsea parrot-form fob seal is illustrated in G.E. Bryant, The Chelsea Porcelain Toys, 1925, p. 135, pl. 38, fig. 16.
Details
A GROUP OF GOLD- AND SILVER-MOUNTED SEALS
The first with carved mother-of-pearl forearm holding a bar set with two circular matrix cut with monogram and coronet and name Elise, the other end with silver-gilt mount enclosing amethyst matrix cut with accolé coats-of-arms and coronet, circa 1820, apparently unmarked--2½in. (6.4cm.) long; the second German porcelain, modelled as a lady's leg painted with purple garter and a flea on the thigh, with yellow heeled shoe with silver mount and matrix engraved with cypher and coronet, 18th century, apparently unmarked--2 5/8in. (14.3cm.) long; the third a fob seal, with three-sided faceted carnelian matrix and gold-mounted foliate scroll adjustable finial cut with various armorials, circa 1730, apparently unmarked--1½in. (3.8cm.) long; the fourth a Chelsea porcelain fob seal modelled as a parrot with painted feathers and foliage, with reeded gold mount and loop, the hardstone matrix cut with motto RIEN DE SI DOUX and love birds, circa 1770, apparently unmarked--1¼in. (3.2cm.) high (4)
The first with carved mother-of-pearl forearm holding a bar set with two circular matrix cut with monogram and coronet and name Elise, the other end with silver-gilt mount enclosing amethyst matrix cut with accolé coats-of-arms and coronet, circa 1820, apparently unmarked--2½in. (6.4cm.) long; the second German porcelain, modelled as a lady's leg painted with purple garter and a flea on the thigh, with yellow heeled shoe with silver mount and matrix engraved with cypher and coronet, 18th century, apparently unmarked--2 5/8in. (14.3cm.) long; the third a fob seal, with three-sided faceted carnelian matrix and gold-mounted foliate scroll adjustable finial cut with various armorials, circa 1730, apparently unmarked--1½in. (3.8cm.) long; the fourth a Chelsea porcelain fob seal modelled as a parrot with painted feathers and foliage, with reeded gold mount and loop, the hardstone matrix cut with motto RIEN DE SI DOUX and love birds, circa 1770, apparently unmarked--1¼in. (3.2cm.) high (4)