Large Cylinder Seal Electrotype Group

Irregular fragment of timber, supplied with a handwritten provenance letter with wax seal; the letter states: 'Parish of Sidlow Bures Manor. Know all men, and if ladies particularly, by these presents, that of the fifth day of April 1888 the undersigned Poulteney Bigelow did in the company with an officer of H.M Service secure the accompanying piece of timber belonging to the ever famous frigate Victory, the same that fought at Trafalgar and received the precious life blood of the immortal Nelson on the 21st of October 1805. This piece of timber was cut out of the Hull of the Victory while undergoing repairs on the dry dock of Portsmouth. It is herewith presented to Miss Mabel Nicholson as a precious heirloom for distant generations of such as may love liberty and cherish the memory of valiant men. Witness the annexed signature seal, Poulteney Bigelow, Bures Manor, June 5 1888.' 141 grams total, 15.6-26.5 cm



From the collection of a Sussex noble lady, by descent from 1888, directly from the gifting of the item, as stated in the letter.

The HMS Victory underwent various refits throughout her long service, but a significant one occurred in 1888, when she was converted for use as a training ship. This refit included modifications to her structure and interior to accommodate her new role, although she was primarily preserved as a historic vessel. The hull and internal structures were reinforced to address wear and tear from years of service. The HMS Victory is currently the oldest British naval vessel still in commission, with 248 years of service as of 2026.

Intaglio profile bust of Empress Livia with laurel wreath to her long hair, presented in the guise of Ceres; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 1.51 grams, 19 mm



Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.

Livia Drusilla (59 B.C.-A.D. 29) was Roman empress from 27 B.C.-A.D. 14 as the wife of Emperor Augustus. She was known as Julia Augusta after her admission into the Julian family in AD 14. Charis (Greek: Χάρις meaning 'Grace') was a goddess in Greek mythology, one of the 'Charites' or 'Graces' associated with charm, beauty, nature, creativity and fertility.

Including fusiform, spherical and other types with etched patterns on petrified wood. 118 grams, 84.5 cm



Private collection, UK.