A group of nine interesting gold or gold-cased fob seals,

the first, circa 1760, with agate handle carved as the bust of a blackamoor, banded rose diamond and ruby-set cushion, the amethyst matrix later engraved with the arms of Meade, later case; the second with flowered openwork handle, maker's mark probably William Tanner, London, 1815, crystal matrix engraved with the arms of  Massey of Sale, co. Chester, 4cm; an urn-shaped example, circa 1785, citrine matrix, arms of Maxwell quartering Herries; the fourth, a ribbed two-colour gold fob seal, circa 1814,  hung with a grape cluster, carnelian matrix, both 4.5cm; a turquoise bead-set seal, circa 1820, amethyst matrix, 2.5cm; a gold fox-form fob seal, the cushion chased with the hunt; a gold bull-form fob seal, bloodstone matrix engraved with the arms of a continental Baron, both 3cm; a fobseal with handle formed as a curious miniature figure of Louis XVIII in a pavilion, circa 1815, carnelian matrix engraved with initials, 4cm; and a desk seal with two-colour gold mounts, in 19th century taste, citrine handle and matrix, modern Bulgari case (11)



The second fob seal is unusually struck with London hallmarks for 1815. The maker is most probably William Tanner who first entered his mark as a goldworker from 8 Georges Row, City Road in 1803. A second mark, from 4 Badger Yard, Clerkenwell, was registered in 1811. A maker's mark WT was also registered in 1810 by William Tongue of Birmingham, but he seems a less likely candidate for the creation of this seal.



The fourth example is engraved with the arms of Rowland Hill, Baron Hill of Almaraz and Hawkstone, co. Salop, later 1st Viscount Hill of Hawkstone and Hardwicke (1772-1842), KB in 1812. Hill, nicknamed "Daddy Hill" for his kindness and generosity to both officers and men, was a professional soldier who came to prominence as Wellington's second-in-command during the latter part of the Peninsular War, later playing a decisive role at Waterloo.



 

First has rough patch on left shoulder; all would benefit from professional cleaning; all have slight time scuffing/scratching on matrices, particularly round edges of fox seal; otherwise excellent condition.
"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."