[England - Queen Victoria - era] - Second Great Seal of the Realm of Queen Victoria - 1837

A Genuine and Scarce Great Second Seal of the Realm 1837 of Queen Victoria large wax seal that was once attached to a document, 16 cm diameter.

The Front of the Seal.
The Queen, crowned, and royally robed, with the collar of the Garter, sceptre, and orb, seated on a throne with three steps and carved back. On r. h. a seated figure, representing Justice, with sword and balance ; on 1. h. a seated figure with a long cross and closed book, representing RELIGION. Over head in background a carved gothic canopy and two side niches, also canopied, containing a figure of a saint on r. h., and of an archbishop on 1. h., each on carved pedestal. The background filled up at the sides with curtains looped and tasselled, and tabernacle work. In exergue a shield of the ROYAL Arms, quarterly, I, 4, ENGLAND ; 2. SCOTLAND ; 3. IRELAND ; encircled with Garter inscribed with motto, ensigned with royal crown, and enriched on each side with branch of laurel. In place of legend, an elaborate wreath of roses in flower and leaf, oak leaves, and acorns

Reverse of the Seal
Queen, in royal attire, crowned, holding sceptre in r. h., seated on a horse to 1. with caparisons of network on back, feathered plume on head and ornamental reins, led by a page with feathered cap in his hand. In exergue, a trident on two crossed branches of oak.

Legend in ornamental capitals, with a crown at the beginning and a rose of five leaves and two sprigs of three leaves of rose tree between the words : —

VICTORIA DEI GRATIA BRITANNIARVM REGINA FIDEI

The seal is in superb condition, not rubbed or faded, every impression clearly seen. Even the edges are not chipped, just one light hairline crack that runs from her neck to the edge on the front of the seal, otherwise in perfect condition.

Superb rare item that never comes up in this condition. A chance to owe a rare piece of English history from the Victorian period.