A wonderfully unusual Victorian seal dating to c.1860, set with a red glass intaglio carved with a tortoise beneath the words “EXCUSE HASTE”. When impressed into sealing wax, the motto could act as a playful apology for a hurried, hastily written or less carefully finished reply. Paired with a tortoise, an animal famous for moving slowly, the phrase becomes a dry visual joke.
Seals like this were part of everyday Victorian correspondence, used to close letters and add a personal device, motto or message to the wax. In this case, the combination of the tortoise and wording gives the seal a particularly witty character, turning a practical object into a small piece of humour.
The 9ct rolled gold mount is heavily chased with scrolling foliate decoration, extending from the base up through the curved suspension and eyelet. The deep red glass gives the engraved tortoise and lettering strong contrast, and although there is some surface wear to the intaglio face, the design and wording remain clearly legible.
Presented in good antique condition overall. There is visible wear and loss to the rolled gold surface in places, exposing the underlying metal, together with age-related wear to the red glass. Despite this, the seal retains plenty of character and the unusual “EXCUSE HASTE” intaglio remains the clear focal point.
Era:
Victorian, c.1860
Hallmarks:
Unmarked, tests as 9ct rolled gold.
Dimensions:
Height: 22mm
Base: 13.5mm x 11mm
Top eyelet: 3.5mm
