18k Gold Armorial Fob Seal Baronet Lake

Code: 10644

This is a superb 18k gold armorial seal, dating to the 17th century. The carnelian intaglio is cut with arms and motto of the Lake Baronets. The motto reads as: "Un Dieu, un roy, un coeur" (One God, one king, one heart). The arms 'sable on a bend between six crosses crosslet. Dexter arm embowed in armour, issuing from the sinister side of the shield, holding in the hand a sword erect all ppr. thereto affixed a banner ar. charged with a cross between. sixteen escutcheons of the first, on the cross a lion pass, guard, or' This is listed in Burke's A General Armory of England, Scotland, and Ireland

This refers to Sir Edward Lake, 1st Baronet, Chancellor of the Diocese of Lincoln, awarded by King Charles I., for services at the Battle of Edge Hill. The 'sixteen escutcheons' refer to the sixteen wounds or musket shot he suffered during the battle, where he famously held the bridle of his horse with his teeth (due to the wounds). He was captured and imprisoned at Great Crosby, Lancashire, but escaped after about seven weeks.

This is a handsome seal, used to authenticate private letters and correspondence. It has survived in excellent condition.

OBJECT: Armorial Seal

CULTURE: Stuart 

DATE: c. 17th - 18th century A.D. 

MATERIAL: 18k Gold & Carnelian

SIZE: 24mm x 23mm x 21mm 

WEIGHT:  9.5 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. property of a private collector.