Wax Seal A#11121
Letters of the period were folded and sealed with melted wax from a candle. The hot wax was often stamped with a seal as an early form of postmark.
The face of this silver cartouche-style seal contains the image of two doves hovering over the sea and facing each other. Above them is a set of balance scales surrounded by what is interpreted as a laurel wreath. On a banner issuing from the mouth of one of the doves is an apparent French expression “LE MORT SI IE VOVS PERS” [sic] which has been translated as “’Til Death if it pleases Thee.”
During the Early Modern Period, prior to the full advent of mass media, the use of symbols to communicate elaborate concepts and messages was relatively common.
This seal was therefore not only a functional writing tool, but is also in the nature of a romantic good luck charm.
A pair of turtledoves was commonly interpreted as a pair of lovers. The sea represents separation by an upcoming ocean voyage. The balance scales of fate means that this journey is expected to be hazardous, but, since the laurel wreath of victory surrounds these scales, the voyage is hoped to turn out well.
Given the relative cost of silver, and the quality of this engraving, it is likelier that this seal was given to a captain or officer than to a common seaman.
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