Seal impression (cast), of Alexander III

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the obverse of the 2nd Great Seal of Alexander III, dating from around 1265. Great Seals were used primarily for grants of land.

The seal depicts the king on an elaborate throne, holding a sceptre in one hand and the cord of his mantle in the other. His long hair and moustache can be seen. The incomplete inscription '...LEXANDER DEO RE...RE REX SCOT..RVM' translates as 'Alexander with God as guide, King of the Scots'. The gold border is modern cardboard trim.

Seals were usually made of beeswax, softened by heat and attached to a document. A mould or matrix was used to make the impression in soft wax.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-782-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.1999.735
• Date: c. 1265
  Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1265
  
• Material: Sulphur; red; circular. Inscription: ...LEXANDER DEO RE...RE REX SCOT..RVM
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 103 mm D
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: Alexander III
  Young Collection
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Red sulphur cast of the obverse of the 2nd Great Seal of Alexander III, depicting the king on his throne, c. 1265
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p.5 no.16 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 5, no. 16. 
• Translations:
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