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Rare Antique Georgian Royal Wax Seal of King George III (1816–1817) in Original Skippet, Museum-Grade, Deep Black Wax Impression.
A rare survivor from the late Georgian period, this double-sided black wax royal seal retains remarkable presence and legibility, with major iconographic elements still clearly discernible despite natural softening of detail over two centuries.Issued near the end of King George III’s reign, during the final years governed by the Prince Regent, the design aligns closely with documented examples of the Great Seal of the Exchequer of Scotland (engraved 1816–1817).
Obverse: The King sits enthroned beneath a draped canopy, orb and sceptre in hand, attended by classical allegorical figures. Though the edges show expected age-softening, the central forms and layout remain cohesive.
Reverse: Displays the Royal Arms of Scotland supported by stag and antelope, with Saint George and Saint Andrew medallions below. Again, definition is softened, but the heraldic structure and forms retain strong visual coherence.
The seal remains structurally intact and un-retouched, housed in its original tinned-steel skippet, with remnants of the original vellum still attached (bearing faint seal ink transfer). The deep-black wax, a colour reserved for the most formal state documents, has aged with minor surface undulations but retains a strong visual impact.
Double-sided black wax seal, c.1816–1817
Original skippet and vellum fragment
Dimensions: Wax ~11.5 cm diameter × 1.5 cm deep
Skippet ~12.5 cm diameter
Wax weight: 177 g
Material: black sealing wax, tinned-steel skippet, vellum remnant
Origin: United Kingdom (Georgian Period)
Vellum & Stamp Detail:
The remaining vellum fragment attached to the skippet retains a clear crowned “GR” (Georgius Rex) revenue stamp, consistent with British Stamp Office duty marks from the reign of King George III (1760–1820). The number “19” above denotes the duty paid at the time of issue, indicating formal processing of the original document.
A faint cursive annotation reading “Examined” is visible above the stamp, suggesting administrative review typical of documents passing through official channels.
Also present is a later handwritten identification note reading “Great Seal of England – George III”, likely added during subsequent cataloguing or collection.
A partially legible oval stamp (including “Paris” and possibly “Earls”) appears to be a later dealer or archival mark, indicating the piece has passed through European hands at some stage.
Together, these elements support the seal and vellum fragment as part of a genuinely processed and circulated document, rather than a purely decorative survival.
Authentication note: Formal assessment has not been undertaken; however, the iconography, materials, and patination are consistent with late Georgian period examples. Priced accessibly for collectors ahead of external authentication.
A compelling artefact of royal statecraft, preserved with dignity, weight, and gravitas. Suitable for advanced collectors, museum reference, or study in sigillography and Georgian-era governance.
Packaged with appropriate care (archival tissue, cradle, desiccants). Ships from Tasmania, Australia. Item will be insured.
