Portable wafer seal in bone and brass with virgin matrix – Circa 1880 - Cylinder seal

Here is a fascinating and refined pocket or travel seal (pocket seal), an authentic late 19th-century collectible piece (Victorian / Napoleon III era).

The specific name of this object is Wafer Seal. At the time, to seal folded sheets of paper, wafers were used, namely small discs made of flour paste, water and colored glue. The disc was moistened and inserted under the edge of the letter. While the paste was still soft, the square base of this seal was pressed firmly. The crosshatched geometric pattern served to crush and drive the glue deep between the fibers of the paper, ensuring an airtight seal that made it impossible to open the letter without tearing it.

The name of this object is Wafer Seal. At the time, to seal folded sheets of paper, wafers were used, namely small discs made of flour paste, water and colored glue. The disc was moistened and inserted under the edge of the letter. While the paste was still soft, the square base of this seal was pressed firmly. The crosshatched geometric pattern served to crush and push the glue deep into the paper fibers, guaranteeing an airtight closure that made it impossible to open the letter without tearing it.

This rare era-compatible stationery tool stands out for being a model with a "virgin" matrix, i.e., free of personal monograms or family crests. This detail makes it extremely versatile and ready to be used today for practical or decorative purposes, without the constraints of someone else’s initials.
Main features and materials:
• The Handle: Beautifully carved in natural cow bone, finely turned at the bottom with geometrical ring decorations. It presents the classic magnificent warm patina and yellowing from time, with the dark natural veins that certify its absolute authenticity and antiquity.
• The Matrix: Made in solid brass, equipped with an original functional and intact threaded insert (not stripped).
• The Pattern: The square base features a very fine crosshatched / hob-nail geometric engraving. This specific type of seal, defined by experts as a "Wafer Seal", was used in the nineteenth century both for sealing with wax and to press pressure on the wafer discs used to seal letters hermetically before the invention of modern envelopes.
unusually compact dimensions:
• Height: 6 cm
• Weight: 4.8 grams (extremely light and portable)
Conditions:
The item is presented in excellent vintage condition. It has no deep cracks in the bone nor dents on the brass matrix. The threading is smooth and well preserved. Beautiful original patina never chemically polished to preserve its historic charm.
A small antique jewel (scriniophilia), perfect to enrich a collection of antique writing instruments or as a sophisticated desk piece perfectly usable.