Seal

Object/Artifact

Historic Hudson Valley

Name/Title

Seal

Entry/Object ID

MP.2004.32

Description

Ivory seal, turned columned-shaped shaft with brass stamp end; top piece can unscrew from column base; column base attaches to center of bottom of round top piece; top piece is round and flat with two double band raised ring designs on top and a raised ring on bottom surface; turned shaft begins at top with a narrow ring, wide ring, narrow ring, bulb and then narrow ring, wide ring, narrow ring, bulb, double narrow rings, vase-shape, narrow ring, wide ring, and narrow rings, and then brass stamp at end; brass stamp has three turned rings at top; a flat base that flares out to an oval shape; on bottom is engraved image of a family crest; on top of shield-shaped family crest are three ships on water; shield is divided into four areas; banner with lettering inside along bottom; letters read backwards "MELIORA SPERO."

Made/Created

Artist Information

Artist

Unknown

Attribution

Maker

Notes

Date made: Early 19th century

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Overall

Height

3-3/8 in

Diameter

1-7/8 in

Dimension Notes

Display Dimensions: 3 3/8 x 1 7/8 in. (8.6 x 4.8 cm)

Material

ivory, brass

Condition

Notes

Remarks: Overall body is in stable condition. Has overall wear from use on brass stamp. 3/4" hairline crack from top to mid-section on side of column base. Small area of red wax accumulated in lettering on bottom of brass stamp. 1/4" diagonal-shaped narrow gouge on side of bottom area oof column base. Ivory is discolored yellowish-brown; large brown spots on round top; few small black spots on column base; has small area of dark green-colored residue around part of outer band on round top.

General Notes

Note Type

StorageNote

Note

Home Location: Historic Hudson Valley, Montgomery Place, Livingston Bedroom

Note Type

Department

Note

Curatorial