Seal impression (cast), of David II

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the Privy Seal of David II, dating from around 1359.

The seal depicts a shield with the Royal Arms, held by two arms with sleeves. The inscription '+ SIGILLU S .... I SAVID DEI GRA REG SCOTTOR' is short for 'Privy Seal of David, by grace of God, king of the Scots'. 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. Privy seals were generally used for grants of minor government posts or for preliminary grants of land which were later granted under the Great Seal.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-792-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.1999.782
• Date: Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1359
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown. Inscription: + SIGILLU S .... I SAVID DEI GRA REG SCOTTOR
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 48 mm D
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: David II
  Young Collection
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the Privy Seal of David II, depicting a shield with the royal arms, c. 1359
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 26, no 9 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 26, no. 9. 
• Translations:
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