Gerry's Collection
of Antique Wax Seal Stamps
The Green Collection
The wax seal stamps are regrouped in various sections to easily explore the collection.
The engraving of the coat of arms on this stamp is well done. However, its stone handle was broken and not properly repaired. Take note of the two Pegasus figures, the winged horses from mythology, serving as supporters of the shield. Their wings represent freedom and the ability to rise beyond earthly limits. As a mythical creature, Pegasus symbolizes nobility, bravery, and the heroic traits of those who bear the arms.
This stamp is not a noble family's wax seal stamp but an episcopal stamp from the 19th century. It is made of green bloodstone with a silver base. Ecclesiastical heraldry follows specific conventions regarding the use of arms associated with the church’s administrative and collegiate bodies, as well as the depiction of clerical arms. Abbeys, priories, and dioceses each have their own heraldic symbols.
This is a beautiful 19th-century Russian stamp with a Fabergé mark. It is one of my favorite auction acquisitions. I very much like the Siberian nephrite jade used for the handle, and the elephant design is really charming. Fabergé produced a number of wax seal stamps, though they were not as common as the jewelry and decorative objects. The House of Fabergé crafted high-quality seals, often using luxurious materials like gold, silver, nephrite jade, rock crystal, and precious gemstones.
An exception in my collection. I typically focus on antique European wax seal stamps engraved with noble family coats of arms. This one, however, features a monogram, which is something I don’t usually look for. But I was drawn to its antique "column" design, which I found interesting, so it earned a place in my "Green Collection."
A rare find and one of my favorites. This wax seal stamp is made of stone. I was initially skeptical about buying it online but was very pleased when it arrived. It stands out from the usual stamps in my collection. The family crest is well done, featuring a very finely carved Count’s crown, two stars, and a sun symbolizing glory and splendor. Though purchased in England, it is likely of French origin.
This very small yet finely crafted wax seal stamp, made of malachite and silver, comes from Switzerland. While its former owners remain unknown, I am happy to have it in my collection. Despite its small size, measuring only 3.5 cm at the base and 5.5 cm in total height, it features not only an engraved coat of arms in the malachite, depicting an alliance with two shields, but also mantling, helmet and motto.
This stamp that dates back to around 1850 belonged to Lord William Vane, the 3rd Duke of Cleveland who also succeeded to the 5th Earl of Durham. The seal is made of faceted bloodstone with a gold base. The coat of arms is finely carved in red stone. The engraving shows the alliance coat of arms of William Vane and his wife Lady Grace Lowther, who he married in 1815. Lady Grace was the youngest of the 6 children of William Lowther, the 1st Earl of Lonsdale. Few stamps in this collection feature the coronet of a British Duke, making this one a valuable addition. A British duke's coronet features "strawberry leaves," similar to French heraldry. However, in heraldic representation, it also includes a dark red cap, which is purple in real life, topped with a gold tassel. This cap is a distinct element not found in French heraldry. (Ai)
