Seal impression (cast), of Alexander I

This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the obverse of the Great Seal of Alexander I, dating from around 1107.

The seal depicts the king seated on his throne, holding a sword in one hand and an orb with a cross on top in the other. He wears a tunic with tight sleeves and a mantle fastened at his throat. The incomplete legend '+ ALEXANDER.. ECTORE ....' identifies the king. 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. Great Seals were used primarily for grants of land.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-180-001-780-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2 Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland K.1999.725
Date:	c. 1107 Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1107
Material:	Sulphur; brown; circular. Inscription: + ALEXANDER.. ECTORE ....
Dimensions:	72 mm D
What:	Seal / cast
Subject:
Who:	Alexander I Young Collection
Where:
Event:
Description:	Brown sulphur cast of the obverse of the Great Seal of Alexander I, depicting the king seated on his throne, c. 1107
References:	Stevenson and Wood, i, p.2 no.4 Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 2, no. 4.
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