Seal impression (cast)

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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 seal of the burgh of Aberdeen, dating from around 1430.

The seal depicts a shield containing the arms of Aberdeen supported by two lions with their tongues hanging out. The inscription 'sigillum. commune. de. aberden / BONACORD' identifies the burgh and its motto Bon-Accord, which, according to legend, was the password used by the citizens when they expelled the English in 1308. The gold border is modern cardboard trim.

As centres of local government, burghs had their own seals which were used on documents to represent identity, authority and status. Like coats-of-arms, the images on them illustrate aspects of the burghs' origins and activities.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-740-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.1999.807
• Date: Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1430
  
• Material: Sulphur; red. Inscription: Sigillum . commune . de . aberden / BONACORD
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 77 mm D
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: Young collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen
  
• Event:
• Description: Red sulphur cast of the obverse of the 2nd seal of the Burgh of Aberdeen, depicting shield of arms of Aberdeen, 1430
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 52, no 3 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 52, no 3. 
• Translations:
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