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Antique yellow gold woman horse rider and running dog wax seal fob with a carved carnelian base.
Antique yellow gold woman horse rider and running dog wax seal fob with a carved carnelian base.

Victorian Horsewoman & Dog Wax Seal

$1,500.00

A wonderful antique wax seal fob crafted in 14k featuring a woman riding side-saddle wearing a smartly tailored Victorian riding habit, her horse in mid-gallop with a joyous hound running alongside.

The base is a carnelian intaglio with the initials T.C.K. incised in gothic font, the letters are carved in reverse so when the seal is pressed into wax they would appear right-side.

Details: Measuring approximately 1 1/4" high, 1" long and 5/8" wide. Not marked for gold content but XRF tests for solid 14k. Weighs approximately 17.7 grams total.

Condition:  In excellent condition with a gentle patina speaking to its dignified age and gentle wear to the details. The intaglio has some slight rubbing with a few scuffs on the sides. There is some darkening at the base of the horse's tail which might be a solder join.

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.