Late Georgian Equestrian Armorial Desk Seal

**Late Georgian Equestrian Armorial Desk Seal c.1770–1800**

A wonderfully characterful late-Georgian desk seal, finely modelled as a bridled horse's head and dating to the **late 18th century, circa 1770–1800**.

The copper-alloy, probably brass, surface has developed a rich historic patina which beautifully emphasises the horse's raised ears, expressive open mouth, articulated bridle, bit and flowing incised mane.

The underside contains an engraved circular intaglio matrix with two shield-shaped heraldic cartouches surrounded by elaborate foliate ornament.

The seal has a traditional association with the Abercromby family of Tullibody, Scotland.

An historic attribution specifically links it to Lieutenant-General Sir Ralph Abercromby KB (1734–1801). Current heraldic research has not substantiated this specific ownership, and the connection is therefore preserved as historic tradition rather than established provenance.

A fascinating Georgian object combining equestrian sculpture, heraldry and the history of handwritten correspondence.

**Date**

Late 18th century, circa 1770–1800, provisional.

Dimensions

7 cm high × 5.5 cm long × 2.6 cm wide.

Approximately 180 grams.

Provenance

By repute from a private Scottish estate.

Subsequently with a Scottish antiques dealer.

Thereafter Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.

Condition Report

Historic patina, rubbing, scratches, darker oxidation and expected wear throughout. Old deposits remain within the engraved matrix, including reddish and greenish traces which have not been definitively identified.

Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available.

Owing to the compact dimensions and substantial solid construction of the desk seal, it will be professionally packaged using appropriate protective materials and dispatched fully insured.

International buyers are welcome. Please contact us for a destination-specific delivery quotation or to discuss any particular shipping requirements.

Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution

The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.

Attribution and Research

The historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.

These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®

Specialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art.

Every artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and more than two decades of experience within the international fine art market. We are committed to offering collectors works of artistic and historical merit accompanied by transparent provenance research, detailed catalogue descriptions and professional, client-focused service.

Additional photographs and further information are available upon request.