The Property of a Lady
An early 19th Century gold fob seal bearing the arms of Viscount Lord Nelson,
細節
An early 19th Century gold fob seal bearing the arms of Viscount Lord Nelson,
the foiled citrine matrix engraved with Nelson's armorial, the mount of three colour gold with chased and engraved thistle, rose and clover leaf, representing the three kingdoms, surmounted by a modelled heraldic dolphin with engraved detail and gem-set eyes, the tail with attached suspension loop, resting on a scallop shell, height - 50mm.
See Front Cover Illustration
the foiled citrine matrix engraved with Nelson's armorial, the mount of three colour gold with chased and engraved thistle, rose and clover leaf, representing the three kingdoms, surmounted by a modelled heraldic dolphin with engraved detail and gem-set eyes, the tail with attached suspension loop, resting on a scallop shell, height - 50mm.
See Front Cover Illustration
來源
Thomas Graham, Lord Lynedoch (1748-1843)
Thence by descent to the present owner.
Thence by descent to the present owner.
更多詳情
This magnificent seal is typical of the flamboyant pieces associated with Lord Nelson at around the time he was created Viscount and purchased Merton Place in 1801. The heraldic dolphin is a symbol which appeared on Nelson's coffin and in the decoration of the sword presented to Nelson by the City of London in 1798. One possible clue to the seal's origin lies in the chased gold band depicting the emblems symbolising the three kingdoms, whilst this a national symbol, it was also the favourite device of George, Prince of Wales and often appears incorporated into the design of pieces he commissioned or presented. It is therefore possible that this was a gift from the Prince to Nelson when he was raised to Viscount. How Thomas Graham came to possess the seal is unclear but it is certain that he knew Nelson and Lady Hamilton well. In a letter dated May 7th 1799, Nelson writes to Graham" we often talk of you as (without compliment) one of the most respectable characters in the world, your obliged and faithful servant - Nelson. Graham could of course have purchased the seal from one of the early auctions of Nelson's effects or it could have been used by Lady Hamilton to raise money during her time of poverty in Calais - Graham's brother and sister-in-law were two of Lady Hamilton's executors and visited her during this time.