Lot 177
THE WILLIAM LOWTHER (1821-1921) DESK SEAL
A MID 19TH CENTURY (CIRCA 1851) BLOODSTONE, TURQUOISE, ENAMEL DESK SEAL
Auction: 16 September 2025 from 10:00 BST
Description
The prancing lion holding a cartouche with enamelled monogram WL over 1851, above a curved tapering bloodstone column, ornate collar, to a domed foot set with turquoise cabochons in fleur-de-lys motifs, the agate matrix, of oval outline, engraved with coat of arms, engraved to the border ‘SIGILLUM GULIELMI LOWTHER’
Dimensions
9.2cm overall, 2.1cm (matrix)
Provenance
The Matrix Collection, Number 70, Pg. 141
Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells, 5th December 2002, lot 1279
Footnote
William Lowther (1821-1912)
William Lowther was a respected Victorian diplomat loyal to the Conservative party. He began his career with diplomatic posts in Berlin, Naples, and St Petersburg before becoming British Minister Plenipotentiary to Argentina (1867–1868).
Working as an MP for Westmorland and representative of landed gentry interests he was recognised as a force in the protection of landowners rights and the Church of England.
His longstanding service to the Conservative party and highly respected family background cemented his legacy as a revered Victorian politician.