ABERDEEN - A SCOTTISH PROVINCIAL DESK SEAL
A MID-18TH-CENTURY WOODEN AND SILVER DESK SEAL
£1,134
Auction: 19 May 2023 from 10:00 BST
Description
the wooden baluster handle with flat terminal, to a silver mounted collar marked ABD, the integral matrix engraved with the armorial, possibly for the Houston family
Dimensions
Length: 52mm, matrix: 20mm x 13mm
Provenance
Provenance:
‘Silver, The Aberdeen Story’, Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums 2012, item 192, catalogue page 169
Matrix: A Collection of British Seals - David Morris 2012- seal 25, page 68
Footnote
Note:
This fine mid-18th-century desk seal appears to be the earliest marked Aberdeen example. Frustratingly, with only the town mark, ascribing a maker is virtually impossible. The quality of the silver mount and finely engraved armorial, coupled with the status of the client who commissioned the piece, shows its original importance. This type of client would likely have frequented only the most respected Aberdeen makers. Looking at the style and shape of the town punch, it does seem likely it belonged to either Coline Allan or one of his contemporaries, such as George Robertson.