Lot 172
THE KNIGHTLEY IMPALING HERVEY DESK SEAL
A 19TH CENTURY CHALCEDONY AND BLOODSTONE SEAL FOR SIR CHARLES KNIGHTLEY
Auction: 16 September 2025 from 10:00 BST
Description
The facetted stem to a chased gold collar, with floral and foliate scroll decoration, to a shield shaped bloodstone matrix engraved with the arms of Knightley impaling Hervey; together with a velvet lined and silk lid, red leather fitted case
Dimensions
8.2cm overall, 2.5cm x 2.2cm (matrix)
Provenance
The Matrix Collection
Footnote
This family arrived with William the Conqueror and were settled at Fawsley in Northamptonshire by the time of Henry VI, being of very substantial means. Although allied to the Cromwells in the 17th century, Sir Richard Knightley, MP, played a part in the restoration of Charles II. His third son the Reverend John Knightley was created a baronet in 1798. The seal was made Sir Charles Knightley, born in 1781 and succeeded in 1812, who married in 1813 Selina Mary Hervey (died 1856), great-granddaughter of the 1st Earl of Bristol. Sir Charles died in 1864 leaving a son, Sir Rainald, who in 1892 was created Lord Knightley of Fawsley.