19th Century Brass Wax Seal with Monogram Engraving

A striking 19th-century wax seal featuring a finely turned ebonized wooden handle and a solid brass matrix engraved with a flowing monogram. Wax seals such as this were once indispensable tools of correspondence, used to secure letters and authenticate documents with a personal or family crest, initial, or emblem.

The engraved design is a stylized monogram, hand-cut into the brass, which would have left a distinctive impression in warm wax. These monogram seals were often commissioned for individuals or families, making each one unique.

Pieces like this not only speak to the artistry of 19th-century engraving but also to the intimate ritual of communication in an era before the modern envelope and adhesive. Today, it makes a fascinating collectible for desk or library display, or a functional tool for sealing letters and invitations with old-world charm.

Origin & Era

• Likely France or England
• 19th century

Materials

• Brass matrix
• Ebonized turned wood handle with brass finial

Condition

In beautiful antique condition with warm patina to the brass and minor surface wear consistent with age. The engraved matrix remains crisp, and the handle is intact with only light wear, making it both collectible and usable.