Fascinating U.S. Consular Seal
Undated (ca. late 18th-early 19th Century) United States Consular Seal Embossing Stamp. Brass, Wood Handle. Choice Extremely Fine.
32.8 mm (diameter of the seal face); 8.2 mm (seal thickness); 102.8 mm (total length with handle); 42.1 mm (broadest handle diameter). Federal based on the Great Seal at center, 13 stars in a ring of clouds and rays above, and UNITED STATES CONSULATE around. An instrument used for wax seals on official documents of the early United States in one of the various consulates around the world. It is unknown in which consulate this was used, but we have seen similar federal sealing stamps, including one for the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, U.S.A., made in steel, that appeared in a 2016 Heritage sale. That had 28 stars in the design over a central eagle of more modern design than this. Another Consulate Seal, seen in an online search, had 15 such stars. It was styled similar to this, in brass, but seemingly a bit more crudely engraved with slightly different wording in the legend. This stamp, with 13 stars, might point to an earlier vintage, squarely in the late 18th century but it is difficult to know for sure how directly the stars, which clearly changed in number with time on similar federal stamps, align to actual addition of states. This is particularly true of 13 stars seen here, which were probably generically in use for a long period of time. The steel stamp, being more reactive and thus fragile was oxidized, and likely more modern. The Heritage writer placed in in the mid-19th century and it realized $3000. The brass Consular one was dented, porous and aggressively cleaned. It sold on eBay for a reported $7,000 in August 2017. This brass one is far better preserved than either of those. The stamping surface is smooth light olive brass, with gentle reflectivity in the field and traces of red sealing was in some of the recesses, which themselves seem to retain traces of original gilding. A couple of minor scratches are noted, but the overall quality of this piece is excellent. A handsome piece bearing a design based on the Great Seal and thus somewhat similar to the original diplomatic medal. For those who might be interested in the diplomatic medal but might not have the patience or funds necessary to secure one, this item might be a good filler as a distant cousin, clearly used in government business and perhaps unique in this specific form.