Wax seal?

trapperart

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Here are some better pics of the find. I'm convinced it's a wax seal flat,recessed and I think the give away is the 6 fastener marks on the back. I found this at the same place I found this 1500s 4 maravedis a couple months ago. What do you think? Thanks Art
 

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Upvote 11

ARC

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Not a seal IMO...
Intaglio Brooch or pendant.

PS> Maybe I am seeing things...
I also see a monkeys face on back.
 

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digging440yrs

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Its very cool indeed, but my question is about the coin, you found both halves--same hole ? :icon_thumleft:
 

CTwoods

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Dec 9, 2015
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I'm not an expert at anything.

But strictly from an artwork view, I think it was made as a fashion piece. The cutting in of the design in that material, has left the viewer with great highlights that the artist did, to add visual depth, and that effect is nice to look at. Also, the matte finish on the cutting, is something done for embellishment. Not needed on a seal, and wouldn't a matte finish not work well with hot wax?...meaning some wax residue would spoil the look and be hard to clean?

I would think a seal is more utilitarian in design?

I'd be thinking that if it is period to the site, then it adds more interest and rarity as a decorative/jewelry piece? JMO
 

Old Dude

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It is a very nice piece. I hope you can get a definite identification for it.
 

CRUSADER

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Yes, part of a Seal, 19th C mostly likely. Although by this stage it might be more jewelry than function.
 

ironhorse

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I'm still 100% behind the idea of it being a fob/ wax seal.
Whether or not it was actually used as a seal makes no difference, they functioned as accessories on watch chains and jewellery long after the times of wax sealed mail
 

CRUSADER

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To IH,

you explained it better, but that was my point, fob watch bling
 

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Silver Searcher

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Front face of a Cameo Locket.:thumbsup:Nice find.

SS
 

dr-quest

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IMG_1268.JPG IMG_1271.JPG I am still going for fob seal also, here are two in my collection for comparison. I have probably sold 20 over 30 years as an antique dealer. I have one set in 18K gold with four separate three sided seals cut into gemstones, so they do get pretty fancy.
 

ironhorse

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View attachment 1262799 View attachment 1262800 I am still going for fob seal also, here are two in my collection for comparison. I have probably sold 20 over 30 years as an antique dealer. I have one set in 18K gold with four separate three sided seals cut into gemstones, so they do get pretty fancy.

There is really no question that it is a part of a watch fob seal.
I'm including an example pic with a six point attachment like the one presented here, carnelian stone was also suggested, it has the unique property of not sticking to hot wax, it ranged in colour from reds to oranges,also two major sources of this semiprecious stone are India and Germany which have old ties to Great Britain where this most certainly originated, and the recessed carving screams fob seal, no where else has this kind of relief been used in jewellery and not a cameo which is the polar opposite.
 

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