A gold and hardstone desk seal and six fob seals, late 18th to mid 19th century

the first with agate handle and bloodstone matrix engraved with the arms of Sir John Stuart-Forbes, 7.5cm., 3in.;  three gold or gold-cased fob seals on a ring: carnelian matrix engraved with Belsches crest, amethyst with Belshes crest and another, agate with Belshes arms, 2.4-2.8cm., 1-1 1/8 in; a large example, the carnelian matrix engraved with the arms of Alexander Hepburn Murray Belsches of Invermay, 4.5cm., 1 3/4 in.; two fishskin-cased fob seals, one with handsome lobed cushion and carnelian matrix, the other of simple lyre form, the agate matrix with arms of Forbes of Pitsligo after 1781 for Sir William, 6th baronet, 4 and 2.8cm., 1 5/8 and 1 1/8 in.; and a sealing wax impression of an intaglio engraved with the profile of Sir Walter Scott, in original turned wood case with printed label for: Butters / Seal Engraver / 8. South Bridge / Edinburgh, 4.5cm., 1 3/4 in. diameter

The arms on the desk seal are those of Sir John Stuart Forbes (1804-1866), second son of Sir William Forbes, whom he succeeded in 1828 becoming 8th baronet. He married in 1834, Lady Harriet Louisa Anne Kerr, third daughter of William, 6th Marquess of Lothian. The seal was supplied by Benjamin Warwick, 'Engraver to the Royal Family', 124 Regent Street, London - 'Fine onyx handle solid desk seal, engraving arms, supporters, two crests and motto, £6-6-6', dated 13 October 1834 NLS (Acc.4796/196).

The arms on the carnelian matrix of the large fishskin-cased fob seal are those of Stuart quartering Belsches and Wishart, probably for Sir John Wishart Belsches (afterwards Stuart), ?1752-1821, who assumed baronetcy on the death of his great-uncle Sir William Stuart, 2nd baronet, who died 6 December 1777. He took the name of Stuart by royal licence in 1797 and was appointed a Baron of the Exchequer in 1806. The seal was supplied by Halfhide-Barnes & Co., the well-known  seal engravers of 7 Coventry Street, London - 'A red cornelian engraved with supporters crests mottos and set in fine gold, a case for ditto, £13-18-0', 6 October 1819, NLS (Acc.4786/192).

last item has large chip at base of matrix, otherwise 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. 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."

Two of these seals can be identified with seals supplied by London retailers. The Forbes and Belsches families more commonly ordered their seals from Edinburgh suppliers. Although a number of invoices for seals and intaglios survive from Patrick Robertson, William Robertson, David Deuchars and Robert Gordon, the descriptions could match a number of seals.  Francis James & Walter Marshallof 41 George Street, invoiced Sir John Forbes, Bart., on 30 October 1832, for a 'cornelian seal engraving a fine head of Sir Walter Scott' costing 3 guineas, NLS (Acc.4796/196).  Although the intaglio itself is no longer in the collection, a fine wax impression is included in this lot.