A gold and hardstone double-ended desk seal, English, mid 19th century

formed as a hand in a gold gauntlet, grasping another small desk seal, all ornamented with engraved scrollwork, the sleeve of malachite overlaid with engraved openwork gold foliage with acanthus rim, the lower bloodstone matrix engraved with a coat of arms comprising crest and shield, the upper scallop-edged onyx matrix with the crest alone

Goldwork in fine condition bar usual very minor nicks and abrasions of time wear; matrices OK; malachite is dirty around edges of cagework and has the usual folds natural to the stone (which look like small cracks); in one place there is a small smooth patch of darker green which looks like discreet restoration to a hole or starcrack.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The arms are those of Buckley of New Hall, near Salisbury, Wiltshire, quartering Batt and another, impaling Pleydell, Bouverie, Pelham and Clinton, for General Edward Pery Buckley of the 83^rd Regiment who was born in 1796. He was the eldest son of Colonel Edward Pery Buckley (1760-1840), who for thirty years was Groom of the Bedchamber to George III, by his wife, Lady Georgiana West (d. 1832), daughter of John, 2^nd Earl de la Warr, and Lady of the Bedchamber to the daughters of George III. Buckley, the son, who was later promoted to the rank of general, served with the Grenadier Guards in the Peninsula and at Waterloo, was M.P. for Salisbury from 1853 until 1865, and for twenty-one years was Equerry to Queen Victoria. He married on 13 May 1828 Lady Catharine Pleydell-Bouverie, daughter of William, 3^rd Earl of Radnor, by his first wife, Katharine Pelham Clinton, only daughter of Henry, Earl of Lincoln. Although desk seals in the form of various limbs enclosed in armour were popular at this date, it is a particularly suitable conceit that a seal made for a general should be formed as a mailed fist.

The children of General and Lady Catharine included their youngest child, Victor, who was born on 28 April 1838, a godchild of Queen Victoria by whom he was given a silver-gilt christening cup and cover (see lot 262)

General Buckley died on 28 May 1873 at his London residence, 12 South Audley Street.