Fob seal

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A fob was a watch pocket in the front of a man's trousers. Fob seals could be carried in the pocket attached to a watch chain or key ring. This agate example, pictured here in its case, was made by Butters of Edinburgh.

The text on the inside of the case reads 'Butters, Seal Engraver to the Queen, 41 George Street, Edinburgh'.

Before the introduction of the postage stamp in 1840, sealing wax was applied to a letter and stamped in order that it be identified and authorised.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-103-027-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NM 259
• Date: 18th - 19th century
  18th/19th century
  
• Material: Seal
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Seal
  
• Subject:
• Who: Butters of Edinburgh
  Butters, Edinburgh (Seal engraver)
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: Agate seal of Butters of Edinburgh, 18th - 19th century
  
• References:
• Translations:
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