This is an antique DESK hand seal used to make seals on the back of envelopes or to seal documents etc. made with a porcelain handle, and metal matrix.
The circular matrix - intaglio seal part is mounted in unmarked silver.
The matrix has been engraved with a coat of arms with a Earl's coronet on top, that is 8 dots - balls within the top band. The coronet is the rank of the seal holder.
Interesting the coat of arms has two EAGLES holding the elaborate coat of arms - usually a coat of arms has a Lion and a unicorn, but you will see this coat of arms is quite a bit different. Also it has got a banner below with the Latin motto which is something like this MITARI QUAM INVIDERE which translates to something like " to imitate rather than to envy " .
The Eagles each have a Snake wrapped around them. At the bottom there is a small Human face too within the design. The elaborate coat of arms is set into quarters and the top left as you look at the seal has a diagonal line with 3 SCALLOP SHELLS on it. The other 3 quarters are fairly difficult to see and work out their devices. It would be fairly easy for the Heraldic scholars to see though I think. I can see a double headed eagle design.
Everything is pointing to the family surname CHILD for this seal matrix. The Earl's coronet indicates the owner of the seal was in fact an Earl by title and the surname Child so Earl Child and if we google that we can find a Richard Child, 1st Earl Tylney, 1680 - 1750, there was a 2nd Earl but then the family fades out. So you may want to research this a little longer.
Associated with American families as well I see. Are you related ?
The 3 scallop shells within the coat of arms may relate to the Hooke family as that is their livery crest a scallop shell and the Hooke-Child family are related. Google CHILD family coat of arms and look at images... you will see one set into quarters it is SIMILAR to this seal - 3 scallop shells and an upside down V shape with 3 birds ... this is on two opposite quarters on this seal coat of arms. This seal the bottom right is the most elaborate quarter.. it has 2 spread eagles in opposite corners and two zig-zag like horizontal devices in the other two opposites.. right in the middle it has is a smaller shield and this has what looks like a BOOT or FOOT device.
The elaborate coats of arms tend to be marriages, other surnames related to the main coat of arms holder.
There is MORE to this seal than meets the eye.
The handle has been painted mostly a navy blue colour with a hand painted courting couple scene on the very end and hand painted gilt detailing.
To me the handle looks later than the actual seal matrix, maybe the far earlier matrix has been re-handled in the late 19th Century.
No maker's marks or metal marks etc.
Please see pictures provided for more details and visual confirmation of condition.
There are some surface scuffs and some dints in the metalware. The gilding is worn in places.
The seal measures approx. 3 and 1/2 inches long with the matrix measuring approx. 32mm in diameter. It weighs approx. 94 grams.
My stock ref : #T176-13522 in desk and fob seal cabinet.
To see ALL my other 6000+ items for sale: please click on the VISIT SHOP or click "see other items", strangely both only have a limited view of what I have to offer on each platform so to see everything click on Shop by Category which will give you a much better view.
Scale is usually an English 1 penny coin which is 20mm in diameter which is just short of 7/8ths of an inch in diameter, or a universal Coke can, and we all know how big those are.