A GROUP OF FIVE GOLD-CASED FOB SEALS, ENGLISH, SECOND QUARTER 19TH CENTURY
various patterns, chased decoration, the matrix of the largest engraved with a coat-of-arms, crest and motto, another with the same crest and motto enclosing the initials JAD, the matrixes of the remainder engraved respectively with a motto and blasted tree, a standing figure after the Antique, and the name Elizabeth; together with a Russian silver-gilt religious medal, oval
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The arms on the large seal in this group are those of Douglass for James Alexander Douglass (1800?-1862), son of James Douglass (1757-1833) of Oundle, Northamptonshire, who married at Billericay on 29 October 1838 Mary Agnes Petre (1820-1886), elder daughter of William Henry Francis, 11th Baron Petre (1793-1850), by his first wife, Frances 'Fanny' Charlotte Bedingfeld (1796-1822). J.A. Douglass (or Douglas), a solicitor and sometime a director of the Law Union Fire and Life Insurance Company, was living at the time of his death (at Cowes, Isle of Wight), with his wife at 16 Russell Square, Bloomsbury, London.
Mr. and Mrs. Douglass had several children including Elizabeth, who was born about 1839, who may have been the owner of the small seal in this lot, whose matrix is engraved 'Elizabeth.' Another seal in this lot is engraved with the initials JAD, motto and crest, for James Alexander Douglass. See lot 571 for a jewel given by Douglass to his wife.