Georgian pocket seal in Sardinian horn and mercury-gilded bronze

objet/georgian pocket seal in sardinian horn and mercury gilded bronze w9X3oZj 633295976 / Ventes en cours

objet/georgian pocket seal in sardinian horn and mercury gilded bronze w9X3oZj 633295976

Ventes en coursRésultats des ventes

objet/georgian pocket seal in sardinian horn and mercury gilded bronze w9X3oZj 633295976

Ventes en coursRésultats des ventes

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Georgian pocket seal in Sardinian horn and mercury-gilded bronze

Rare Georgian Pocket Seal in Sardinian and Gold-Bronze — Late 18th / Early 19th Century (Late Georgian)DESCRIPTION OF THE OBJECT Welcome to the charm of writing from bygone times. This splendid miniature pocket or chatelaine seal is an authentic masterpiece of micro-jewelry and glyptic art dating to the end of the 18th century or the early 19th century (full Georgian period). A rare piece, untouched and never restored, that embodies the most refined and fascinating constructive techniques of 18th-century craftsmanship. Analysis of Condition and Signs of Time The object is presented in an outstanding state of preservation for its two centuries of history, with its complete integrity intact: The Gem (Sardinian): The oval mounting in a precious Sardinian calcedony variety (a stone of deep red-brown, magnetically infused color) is structurally flawless. It shows no chipping, cracks or filaments on the front. The Carving (Done by Hand): The monogram with intertwined cursive letters (with a splendid dominant “P” or “R”) has been entirely carved freehand with exceptional miniature craftsmanship. In the deepest grooves one can still glimpse microscopic historical residues of old sealing wax: the tangible signature of its real use through the centuries. The Structure and the Patina: The pierced lyre-shaped mount preserves its precious original mercury gilding (hammered gold), incredibly bright on the circular base. In the hollows of the grip a magnificent dark patina has formed over time, which expert collectors carefully avoid polishing to not erase the piece’s ancient soul and authenticity. Three Historical Curiosities about this Piece The “Closed-Back” Trick: The back of the stone is completely sealed by metal, a construction technique born in the 18th century and abandoned in the second half of the 19th century. In the era of candles, craftsmen inserted a very thin sheet of silver or mirror-polished copper (foil) right behind the gem before closing it. This created an artificial reflector: moving the object in candlelight would cause the dark brown of the stone to “ignite” suddenly with a deep, blood-red translucence. The Stone of Nobles and Writers: In the 18th century, choosing Sardinian over the common orange carnelian was not only a matter of sober elegance. Engravers loved it because, thanks to its exceptional molecular compactness, hot sealing wax did not adhere to it, allowing the seal to detach cleanly and without smudges, leaving an imprint on the document simply impeccable. The 18th-Century “Social Media”: This seal was part of the daily life of a gentleman of high society. Hanging from the chain of a pocket watch or a belt chatelaine, it was proudly displayed and used only for formal correspondence or official business, while private love messages favored interchangeable seals with mottos or secret symbols. Technical Data: Materials: Sardinian calcedony variety and bronze with original mercury gilding. Manufacture: European manufacture with closed-back design, hand-carved. Height: approximately 2.5 – 3 cm (miniature pocket model / fob seal).

Estimation:€250

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