Collector's Journal — British Antiques
The Mystery of a Georgian Horse-Head Seal: Heraldry and the Abercromby Family Tradition
18th Century Antiques Abercromby Family Antique Desk Accessories Armorial Seal Art Research & Provenance British Antiques Decorative Arts Equestrian Antiques Georgian Antiques Georgian Decorative Arts Georgian Desk Seal Heraldry Horse Head Seal Intaglio Seal Scottish Antiques Scottish Heraldry Sir Ralph Abercromby Tullibody
Discover an unusual late-Georgian horse-head armorial desk seal, circa 1770–1800, finely modelled in copper alloy and engraved with a paired heraldic intaglio matrix. Traditionally associated with the Abercromby family of Tullibody, Scotland, the seal retains an intriguing historic connection by repute with Lieutenant-General Sir Ralph Abercromby KB (1734–1801), although the specific attribution remains unverified.
