Post by straekat on Jun 9, 2019 6:11:34 GMT -7
These were commonly carried by men (and some women) to use to stamp and seal letters, documents, and place marks on other items. The portable versions were often worn on a ribbon or chain attached to a wind-up pocket watch. The key would also be attached to the chain or ribbon so it wouldn't be lost.
Watch pockets were once common on men's trousers, and are still seen (and used) on denim trousers, although not for dress trousers there days. If you wear breeches, and have a pocket and carry a watch in it, one of these would not be out of place.
The one on the left comes from my house, formerly a three bay Georgian brick house built in the 1790's, and used as a tavern to about 1820. The seal has the owner's initials on it, and a running horse, and incorporates the local name for the house. The one on the right is a reproduction of the classic Georgian era type.
These are about one inch high, the bottoms are circular (or close to it) with a diameter of about 3/4".
