A BRONZE MILITARY OFFICIAL'S SEAL DATED TO 15TH YEAR OF QIANLONG CORRESPONDING TO 1750

surmounted by a tapering handle, the top inscribed with a translation of the seal face in Manchurian, the seal face cast in Manchurian and Chinese seal script with characters reading Xiangbaiqi Hanjun toujia lasi zuoling tuji (seal of the 4th company, 1st regiment of the white-bordered banner of the Chinese army), the sides inscribed Qian zi sanqianyibaier hao (number 3102 of the Qian series), libu zao (made by the Ministry of Rites) and dated Qianlong shiwu nian er yue (second month of the 15th year of Qianlong)

Acquired in New Hampshire in the early 1990s.

There is expected wear to the surface and minor dents to the edges. Otherwise, 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. 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

For a similar example of a Qianlong period official tuji seal see The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Ancient Seals, Hong Kong 2008, no. 413. Of the five levels of official seals, tuji falls under the fourth category, and were used in account books. Other examples of Qianlong official seals have sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 7th October 2010, lot 2108, and our London rooms, 11th May 2011, lot 259.