Description: Antique C19th Brass Double Matrix Wax Seal Stamp Democrat Party Rooster Indiana This small & beautifully detailed antique double matrix wax sealing stamp will make a wonderful addition to your collection. It features what appears to be a handmade brass metal cylinder form with a sealing image matrix soldered to each end—the round end features a rooster surrounded by the quote WHILE I LIVE ILL' CROW and the other end features a heraldic shield shape with an engraved Old English style letter that is possibly an I or F. The center cylinder form features an engraved style pattern design of scrolling leaves with fine lines running from end to end. I believe that the rooster matrix is related to the political affiliation of the original owner in that it visually matches a political medallion in the Cornell University President Grover Cleveland archives collection and the rooster's use as a political symbol of the Democrat party began exactly 20 miles east of where I purchased it. For reference, the use of the rooster as a Democratic Party symbol originated in Greenfield, Indiana in the 1840 campaign and from there it was eventually adopted at the state & national levels of the Democratic Party. With that said, this particular quote might have been borrowed from earlier publications/uses/advertisements in the early 1800s because I did find examples of the quote being used by at least one Australian retail business in the early 1800s (not an exact match visually). Please keep in mind, political items/wax matrix seals are not my area of expertise so please do your own due diligence in researching if origin/meaning/affiliation/age is of importance to you. It does have wear from age and handling so please read complete details below and review photos closely for condition. Free shipping & free returns are included for domestic (USA) orders to ensure that you are happy with your purchase (please choose "just didn't like it" when submitting the return and a return label will be provided to you at no cost). Please note that the shipment will require signature authorization upon receipt so please ensure that you will be able to either sign for the package or retrieve it from your local post office. Thank you and enjoy! PLEASE READ ALL>>> ITEM DETAILS: Approximate weight is 4gMeasures approximately 1/2" x 1/2" x 1-1/8" overall (it is a very SMALL piece). The rooster matrix end is approximately 1/2" across and the shield/letter end is approximately 7/16" across. The inner cylinder is approximately 1/4" across by 31/32" in length up to the back of each matrix. Condition: In antique vintage pre-owned used condition with wear including patina, tarnish, scratches, abrasions, dents, dings, stains, discoloring, visible silver tone solder/welds, dulling, fine pitting/texture on the surface, discoloring, the matrix ends are not soldered onto the cylinder perfectly square therefore when the piece is stood on it's end it stands at an angle, there are scratches across the images on each end, uneven surface finish, worn down surface details, it is untested therefore I do not know what the quality of the impressions would be if used, the stamped engraving style design on the cylinder is worn down, unevenly engraved details, black gunk/grime in the details of each image and overall wear from handling and age as shown in photos. Please see photos for details.Age/era: Unknown. I am guessing it was created sometime between 1840-1900 but I cannot confirm or guarantee as wax seal stamps are not my specialtyOrigin: Purchased in Indianapolis, Indiana USA Marks: What appears to be the letter F on one matrix face, rooster symbol with WHILE I LIVE ILL' CROW on the other matrix faceMaterials: Unknown gold tone metal with silver tone soldering, possibly brass but I cannot confirm or guarantee PURCHASE DETAILS: QUESTIONS: I actively try to disclose all issues that I find with the piece and prefer to have a smooth transaction for both of us so please message any questions/concerns regarding the listing PRIOR to bidding/purchaseRETURNS: Items must be returned via the exact method and packaging as the original shipment including tracking/etc. Refund will be made once the item has arrived back to me in original condition with no damage. Items that appear to have been altered by the buyer, replaced or cleaned/polished/etc will not be accepted for return this includes damage caused due to buyer wear & missing pieces/components that were visible in listing images. Returned items will be thoroughly inspected for any alterations as compared to the original listing photos. RETURN SHIPPING COST IS AT THE EXPENSE OF THE BUYER UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE IN THE LISTING.Due to the variations in device screens and monitors, colors may vary slightly, therefore I cannot guarantee that what you see accurately portrays the colors of each item—please message with any questions regarding colors/etc
Price: 495 USD
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
End Time: 2024-07-15T21:08:35.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Material: Brass
Country/Region of Manufacture: Unknown
Vintage: Yes