Seal impression (cast), of James II

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the Privy Seal of James II, dating from around 1442.

The seal depicts the Royal Arms. The inscription 'Sigillum secretum iacobi dei gracia regis scotorum' translates as the 'Privy seal of James by grace of God, king of the Scots'. The gold border is modern cardboard trim.

Seals were used extensively from the 12th century in Scotland by kings, clergy, nobles and towns. In a society where few people could read or write, they provided evidence that documents were authentic. Privy seals were generally used for grants of minor government posts or for preliminary grants of land which were later granted under the Great Seal.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-759-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  K.1999.786
• Date: Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1442
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown. Inscription: Sigillum secretum iacobi dei gracia regis scotorum
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 68 mm D
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: James II
  Young Collection
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the Privy Seal of James II of Scotland, depicting the royal arms, c. 1442
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 27, no 15 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 27, no 15. 
• Translations:
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