Seal impression (cast), of Robert I (Robert the Bruce)

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the obverse of the 2nd Great Seal of Robert I (Robert the Bruce) dating from around 1316. Great Seals were primarily used for granting lands.

The seal depicts the king on his throne. Only part of the inscription, reading 'ROBERT' survives. The impression is damaged. The gold border is modern cardboard trim.

Seals were usually made of beeswax, softened by heat and attached to a document. A mould or matrix was used to make the impression in soft wax.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-732-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.1999.744
• Date: c. 1316
  Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1316
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown; circular. Inscription: ...ROBERT....
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 94 mm D
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: Robert 1 (Bruce)
  Young Collection
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the obverse of the 2nd Great Seal of Robert 1 (Bruce), depicting the king on his throne, c. 1316
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p.7 no.27 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 7 no. 27. 
• Translations:
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