Seal impression (cast), of Edward Balliol

Add to album

This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the reverse of the Great Seal of Edward Balliol dating from around 1332. Great Seals were used primarily for granting lands.

The seal depicts the king as a knight on horseback. He wears a helmet with grated vizor and a short coat over his mail hauberk. He holds a sword which is fastened by a chain from its handle to the king's shoulder. The inscription translates as 'Edward by the grace of God King of the Scots'. The gold border is modern cardboard trim.

Scottish royal seals generally portrayed the monarch on a throne on one side, and the king on horseback or Royal Arms on one side. Although the designs are similar, the details of armour and horse trappings on the equestrian seals are different over time, reflecting current fashions.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-180-001-734-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.1999.749
• Date: c. 1332
  Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1332
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown; circular. Inscription: EDWARDVS DEI GRACIA REX SCOTTORVM
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 102 mm D
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: Edward Balliol
  Young Collection
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the reverse of the Great Seal of Edward Balliol, depicting the king as a knight on horseback, c. 1332
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p.8 no.32 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 8 no. 32. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: