Seal impression (cast), of Marie of Gueldres, wife of James II

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the 1st seal of Marie of Gueldres, wife of James II, dating from around 1449.

The seal depicts a shield with the arms of Scotland and Marie of Gueldres, held by an angel. The inscription around the edge 'S'marie regine scocie filie ducis gelr.. et iuliers' translates as 'Mary, Queen of Scotland, daughter of the Duke of Guelders ...'. 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. Noble women as well as men possessed seals, though fewer examples survive.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-737-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.1999.791
• Date: Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1449
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown. Inscription: S'marie regine scocie filie ducis gelr.. et iuliers
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 67 mm D
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: James II
  Marie of Gueldres
  Young Collection
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the 1st Seal of Marie of Gueldres, wife of James II, depicting a shield with the arms of Scotland and Marie of Gueldres, c. 1449
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 38, no 6 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 38, no 6. 
• Translations:
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