Henry Greville 3rd Earl of Warwick Gold Armorial Intaglio Wax Seal Matrix FOB UK

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Henry Greville 3rd Earl of Warwick Gold Armorial Intaglio Wax Seal Matrix FOB UK:
$9750.00

For your consideration is a finely executed early nineteenth-century aristocratic watch fob seal dating to circa 1820, mounted in gold and set with an oval white chalcedony (white agate) intaglio matrix measuring approximately 14.5 12.5 mm. The seal measures approximately 20 19 mm including the suspension loop and weighs approximately 3.84 grams. The mount is formed in gold with a refined openwork frame and suspension loop designed to hang from a gentlemans watch chain, a fashionable accessory widely worn by members of the British aristocracy and gentry during the late Georgian and Regency periods.

The chalcedony matrix is engraved in reverse with a kite-shaped heraldic shield containing the arms historically associated with the Greville family. The shield displays five roundels (pellets) arranged in the form of a cross, a distinctive heraldic configuration forming the central armorial device. The shield itself is rendered with softly curved sides tapering to a point below, the outline emphasized with a deeper engraved line and subtle interior stippling typical of Regency-period gem engraving. Beneath the shield appears a decorative ribbon scroll, engraved with flowing curves, serving as a stylistic heraldic flourish commonly incorporated into personal seal engravings of the period.

The heraldic device corresponds to the arms of the Greville family, holders of the Warwick earldom from the mid-eighteenth century and proprietors of Warwick Castle, one of the most historically significant noble seats in England. During the late Georgian and Regency periods, personal fob seals bearing family arms were essential accessories for members of the British aristocracy, used to seal correspondence and documents while simultaneously displaying lineage and heraldic identity.

Dating to circa 1820, during the closing years of the reign of George III and the Regency preceding the reign of George IV, the present seal represents a refined survival of early nineteenth-century British heraldic craftsmanship. The combination of goldsmith work and finely engraved chalcedony matrix reflects the traditions of gem engraving and aristocratic material culture that formed an integral part of personal authentication and heraldic display within the British peerage.