Seal impression (cast), of James I

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the Privy Seal of James I dating from around 1424.

The seal depicts the Royal Arms. The inscription around the edge, 'Sigillum secretum ... dei gracia regis scotorum' is damaged in the middle, and translates as 'Privy Seal ... 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: 000-180-001-736-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.1999.785
• Date: Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1424
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown. Inscription: Sigillum secretum ... dei gracia regis scotorum
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 65 mm D
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: James I
  Young Collection
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the Privy Seal of James I of Scotland, depicting the royal arms, c. 1424
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 27, no 14 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 27, no. 14. 
• Translations:
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