Seal impression (cast), of David I

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the obverse of the Great Seal of David I, dating from around 1124.

The worn and broken 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. Only part of the inscription survives, but it 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: 000-180-001-781-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.1999.727
• Date: c. 1124
  Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1124
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown; circular. Inscription: + DAVID
  Seal / cast / incomplete
  
• Dimensions: 66 mm D
  
• What: Seal / cast / incomplete
  
• Subject:
• Who: David I
  Young Colleciton
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Incomplete brown sulphur cast of the obverse of the Great Seal of David I, depicting the king on his throne, c. 1124
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p.2 no.6 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 2, no. 6. 
• Translations:
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