MID-19TH CENTURY

Details

A VICTORIAN GILT-METAL MOUNTED IVORY AND HARDSTONE HAND-SEAL
MID-19TH CENTURY
Tapering knobbed ivory seal, formed as a hand grasping a fluted Corinthian column, the slightly domed knob centred with a rosette encircled by gadrooning, the hand emerging from stylised foliage, the carnelian matrix engraved with a coat-of-arms
4 5/8 in. (119 mm.) long
The arms are those of Sir George Murray (1772-1846) of Ochtertyre, Crieff.

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country. No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

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Lot Essay

George Murray was the younger son of Sir William Murray (1746-1800), 5th baronet and Lady Augusta Mackenzie (1746-1809), youngest daughter of George, 3rd earl of Comarty. He had an illustrious military career, which commenced in the Scots guards. By 1809 he had ascended to the rank of colonel. He was then appointed quartermaster-general in the Peninsula under Wellesley and was promoted to brigadier-general in 1811, major-general in 1812 and after the victory of Vitoria, was made KB. Murray also served as lieutenant-general in Canada in 1814 and was awarded many foreign honours. In 1820, he was made a DCL at Oxford and in 1824 he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society. Murray went on to serve as governor of the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, from 1819 to 1824 and from 1824 to 1830 he was MP for Perth County. With the fall of the Wellington government, Murray left political office and returned to military service, he was eventually promoted to general in 1841. Murray married Lady Louisa Erskine (1777-1842), sister of the 1st marquess of Anglesey in 1825 and from 1828 they lived at 5 Belgrave Square with their daughter and the 'Miss Murray' of Lawrence's portrait now at Kenwood House.

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