Seal impression (cast), of Alexander III

This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the obverse of the Privy Seal of Alexander III dating from around 1250.

The seal depicts the king seated on his throne. In one hand he carries a long sword across his lap while in the other he holds a long sceptre. The inscription 'ESTO PRV ... EX SICVT COLVMBA / DEI GRA REX SCOTT' translates as 'Be as wise as a serpent and as simple as a dove (Columba). By the 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: 000-180-001-735-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.1999.778
• Date: Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1250
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown. Inscription: ESTO PRV ... EX SICVT COLVMBA / DEI GRA REX SCOTT
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 42 mm D
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: Alexander III
  Young Collection
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the obverse of the Privy Seal of Alexander III, depicting the King on his throne, c. 1250
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 25, no 1 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 25, no. 1. 
• Translations:
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