Lord Pitsligo's steel swivel fob seal and two other steel fobs, 18th century

the first with elaborately beaded and scrolled handle, the matrices variously engraved, 4.5cm., 1 3/4 in.; the second with matrix engraved for a female member of the Hamilton family 2.5cm.,1 in., in original fishskin case; the third, swivelling, with gilded handle, 3.5cm., 1 3/8 in.

A label attached to the first inscribed in a 19th century hand: Lord Pitsligo's seal / given to me / by Mr Forbes.

Alexander Forbes, 4th Lord Pitsligo, (1679-1762), has been described as 'a scholar, romantic and man of honour'. He supported the Jacobite cause both in 1715 and in 1745, spending much of his life in Scotland in hiding, with many tales told of nail-biting escapes from capture. The three facets of this seal show his coat of arms, another crest and a curious subject entitled 'L'amitié bien étrange' showing Lord Pitsligo dressed in a kilt apparently rescuing a drowning slave.

Case good condition, seals all with some rusting.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
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."