£882
A Private Collection of Seals: Highlights from The Matrix Collection | 749
Auction: 19 May 2023 at 11:00 BST
the laburnum handle of baluster form, to a simple threaded silver mounted collar, the oval matrix with the arms of Menzies
Note:
Given the suspected age of this seal, it was probably in the possession of two successive chiefs of the clan Menzies, namely Sir Robert Menzies in the county of Perthshire (1817 to 1903), the seventh Baronet of Menzies or his son, Sir Neal James Menzies, the eight and last Baronet of Menzies (1855 to 1911)
The baronetcy fell into extinction on his death for want of a male heir. The clan is said to have descended from a mythical 'Scottish' King Mainus of 33BC, but is perhaps ill-founded and the clan arrived in Scotland following the 12th century Norman arrival and are descended from Robert de Maineriis of Mesnieres near Rouen in Normandy.
The first chief was Sir Robert de Meyneris, who became Chamberlain to King Alexander II in 1249 and received lands in exchange for his military service.
It was in 1488 that his descendant Sir Robert Menzies built 'The Place of Weem', and maintained their stronghold in Strathtay for over four hundred years. They managed to maintain their standing and possessions until the estates, the Castle, and its contents were auctioned off to pay outstanding debts in 1914. With the extinction of the main line the Clan was left without a Chief on the death of Sir Neil Menzies in 1910.
In 1957 the descendants of the cousin of the first Baronet were successful in petitioning Lord Lyon King of Arms to be recognised as being allowed to use the arms of Menzies. The current Chief is Captain David Steuart Menzies of Menzies.