Large silver-gilt desk seal, Henry Tippen, London, 1819

With mushroom handle, the domed cap elaborately embossed and chased twice with the arms of Charles William, 1^{st Baron Stewart, later 3rd Marquess of Londonderry (1774-1854), within the motto of the Order of the Bath and below a Baron's coronet, the stem bound with laurel above a scroll-chased cushion, the circular grey chalcedony matrix also engraved with a full achievement of arms, height approximately 135mm, makers marks H.T., British hallmarks for London, 1819.} 

Some time wear to gilding on raised surfaces particularly to cap. Cap is split along edge for approximately 65mm. Some denting to cap. Scratches and indentations to polished stem. Could benefit from a careful professional clean. Sealing wax traces to chalcedony matrix. In good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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 refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
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 Hon. Charles William Stewart was the son of Robert Stewart, 1^st Marquess of Londonderry, and half-brother to Viscount Castlereagh, the Foreign Secretary. Stewart entered the army at age 16 after having gained notoriety at Eton for a courageous but vain attempt to save a fellow pupil from drowning. He 'distinguished himself greatly' during the Peninsular War (1809-12) but then, with his half-brother's help, pursued a diplomatic career as Envoy Extraordinaire to Berlin (1813-14) and then as Ambassador in Vienna until 1823. He began this posting as a representative at the Congress in 1814 where his magnificent dress earned him the nickname, 'the Golden Peacock', so it is not surprising that he should have owned such an unusually splendid desk seal.

 

In the same year, 1814, Stewart was created Baron Stewart of Stewart's Court and Ballylawn and was awarded the Order of the Bath. In April 1819, he married as his second wife, Frances Anne Vane-Tempest, 22 years his junior and one of the wealthiest heiresses of the age. The arms on the matrix of this seal are those of Baron Stewart; the arms on the cap are those of the Baron with his second wife's arms in pretence. Following the marriage, Baron Stewart took his wife's name and arms by Royal Licence. In 1822, following the suicide of his half-brother, he succeeded as 3^rd Marquess of Londonderry.