THE SIR JAMES CLARK (1788-1870) DESK SEAL
A 19TH CENTURY MALACHITE, AGATE AND GOLD SEAL
£693
Auction: 17 October 2023 from 10:00 BST
Description
The domed handle with scroll and floral detail, to a malachite set stem, the collar and mount of similar floral decoration, to a rectangular agate matrix, engraved with the arms of Sir James Clark, and motto 'AMAT VICTORIA CURAM' in a fitted case
Dimensions
Length: 5.7cm, matrix: 1.4cm x 1.5cm
Provenance
Provenance:
Anonymous vendor, Philips London, 27 October 1998, lot 16
Footnote
Note:
The arms are those of Sir James Clark, MD (1788-1870). The doctor who became the first Physician in Ordinary to Queen Victoria (hence the motto) and was created a baronet in November 1873. He was subsequently elected Fellow of the Royal Society and was made a Knight Commander of the Bath. in 1866. This seal must date from before the baronetcy as the helm above the shield is seen in profile and the arms lack the hand of a baronet.