Georgian Scottish Intaglio Armorial Wax Seal Matrix James Drummond Baron Perth For Sale

For your consideration is a finely engraved late-Georgian Scottish heraldic intaglio seal attributable to James Drummond (17341800), later created 1st Baron Perth in 1797, head of the senior Drummond line in the latter half of the eighteenth century. The seal measures 33 mm in height and weighs 7.51 grams, with an engraved matrix approximately 18.5 mm by 17.5 mm. It is cut from a richly faceted emerald-green glass or vitreous paste, polished to a jewel-like translucency characteristic of aristocratic fob seals of the period circa 17601780. The finely turned metal suspension fitting is consistent with late-Georgian construction and intended for personal wear.

The intaglio presents the complete armorial achievement of the Drummonds of Perth. At center is the quartered shield, properly composed and encircled by a chivalric strap and buckle, supported by two savages in traditional antique attire the dexter bearing a club and the sinister a bow the established supporters of the Perth line. Above rises the stags head crest with branching antlers, and below appears the motto scroll engraved in reverse: AMOR PATRIAE NOSTRA LEX (Love of country is our law). The precision of the engraving and the accurate heraldic composition correspond to recorded arms of the Dukes of Perth in standard heraldic authorities.

Following the forfeiture of the Jacobite-created dukedom after the rising of 1745, the senior male ducal line became extinct in 1747. James Drummond (17341800), descended from a collateral branch, emerged as principal representative of the family during the mid- to late-eighteenth century. His lifetime corresponds precisely with the stylistic dating of this seal. Although the dukedom itself remained attainted under the British Crown, hereditary arms and supporters continued to be asserted within the family. In 1797, James Drummond was formally restored to the peerage as Baron Perth, confirming his status as head of the house.

The presence of the full armorial achievement shield, supporters, crest, and motto rather than a simplified escutcheon strongly indicates ownership by the chief representative of the family rather than a junior cadet. The quality of the cutting, the use of emerald-colored vitreous material fashionable among the Georgian aristocracy, and the chronological alignment with James Drummonds tenure as head of the Drummond family together support attribution to him. As such, this seal represents a refined and tangible emblem of the restored Perth line in the decades preceding the re-establishment of their peerage dignity, and stands as an important survival of late eighteenth-century Scottish aristocratic heraldic culture.