Seal impression (cast), of Robert 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 Robert II, dating from around 1371.

The seal depicts a shield displaying the Royal Arms with a crown on top, placed within a carved rosette of tracery. The inscription has broken away. 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: 000-180-001-794-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.1999.784
• Date: Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1371
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 45 mm L x 36 mm W
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: Robert II
  Young Collection
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the Privy Seal of Robert II, depicting a shield with the royal arms, c. 1371
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 26, no 12 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 26, no. 12. 
• Translations:
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