Bidspirit auction | Seventeenth Century Dordrecht Netherlands Municipal

Seventeenth Century Dordrecht Netherlands Municipal Red Wax Seal Dated 1616 - This item is a double-sided red wax seal originating from the city of Dordrecht in the Netherlands. The seal is attached to a narrow, folded vellum tag. The obverse depicts a detailed architectural view of a fortified city gate or castle, a heraldic symbol of Dordrecht. The design features a tall central gatehouse with three crosses in relief, flanked by defensive walls. The Latin legend around the perimeter is partially distinguishable; the right side shows the characters V M O P P I D I and the left side shows D R E C H T A D C A S. This corresponds to the historical legend Sigillum Oppidi Dordrecht Ad Causas, identifying it as a seal for judicial or legal matters. The reverse features a smaller circular counter-seal depicting a plain shield within a circular border, with the partial inscription SIGILLVM visible. The vellum tag bears a pencil inscription of the numbers 1 6 1 6. An accompanying paper slip includes the handwritten pen inscription D O R D R E C H T ad causas [ 1 6 1 6 ]. The seal measures approximately 2 1/4 inches (57 mm) in diameter.