Lot 164
THE SIR WILLIAM ALEXANDER, VISCOUNT OF STIRLING, LATER 1ST EARL OF STIRLING (CIRCA1577-1640)
A 17TH CENTURY TURNED WOODEN AND STEEL DESK SEAL CIRCA 1630
Auction: 16 September 2025 from 10:00 BST
Description
The domed terminal to a knopped stem, to a steel matrix, engraved with the coat of arms of Sir William Alexander, as Viscount of Stirling; together with a smaller wooden desk seal, family motto and initials engraved to matrix and two other base metal integral seals (4)
Dimensions
9.2cm overall, 3.2cm x 2.7cm (matrix)
Footnote
Sir William Alexander (1576 - 1640)
Viscount of Stirling was born in Clackmannan Scotland. He became a courtier as James I (James VI of Scotland) claimed the English throne in 1603 a year later writing his most famous work ‘Aurora’.
Further successful works in poetry such as ‘Doomes day’ (1614) saw King James employing Alexander to aid in translating the Psalms.
Also recognised for his colonial affairs Alexander became proprietor of Nova Scotia in spite of French claims of the territory, with the first settlement being established in 1629. Challenges from the French saw war break out in 1627 with the Scottish force being led by Alexander’s son. England and France established the treaty of SUSA agreeing to restore territory and shipping rights therefore forcing Alexander to surrender and withdraw Scottish settlers, leaving him in great debt.
In 1630 he was created Viscount of Stirling and Lord Alexander of Tullibody and in 1633 the Earl of Stirling, Viscount of Canada.