Georgian Bloodstone Wax Seal "Virtuti Fortuna Comes"

Circa 1830, an exceptionally fine 14k bloodstone wax seal fob, the intaglio carved with a boar's head and sheild motif and a banner emblazoned "Virtuti Fortuna Comes," the most straightforward translation being: "good fortune comes with virtue." ... some might call that karma.

It's a motto adopted by the Duke of Wellington, but also used in the coats of arms of a number of noble families with an ancestral history of serving their monarch faithfully through various conflicts.

Traditionally bloodstone is known as a hero's stone, a talisman for strength, bravery and determination in the face of danger: either danger from within or from outside forces. The perfect foil for a warrior's crest. 

Details: Measures approximately 1 1/4" high and 11/16" by 13/16" across the base. Not marked for metal content but XRF tests for solid 14K; when made in karat gold these are sometimes constructed around a base metal form for strength.

Condition: In excellent condition with a light antique patina and very minimal wear to the surface of the stone, but no obvious chips or scratches. 

History: Before the invention of an envelope conveniently painted with adhesive along the flap, people used a drop of melted wax impressed with a carved seal to secure the privacy of their correspondence. The carving was done in reverse so the sealing wax would be impressed with the writer's personal motto, crest or insignia in a readable direction: essentially a return address of sorts.