Bidspirit auction | A Collection of Ten Dutch

A Collection of Ten Dutch Historical Wax Seal Impressions on Annotated Card Mounts - This lot features ten historical wax seal impressions, representing the field of sigillography. Primarily of Dutch origin, the collection encompasses administrative, institutional, heraldic, and personal seals ranging in historical subject matter from the 14th to the 19th centuries. The impressions are rendered in red and dark shellac-based sealing wax and are mounted on individual paper or cardstock backings. Key identifications include a 1590 seal for the Knighthood of Guelders (Ridderschap GELRE) for the Duchy of Gelre and County of Zutphen, a 1672 seal for the Council of State (Raad van State), and a 19th-century seal for the Regents of the Arnhem prisons (Regenten over de gevangenissen te Arnhem). Administrative seals include the House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer d. Staten Genl.) and an 1809 oval seal for the Artillery Workmen (Art: Werklieden). Personal and heraldic examples include Jean Salomon la Clé of Haarlem (c. 1700), Leonard Ras (1685), and a red vesica seal for Mahaut Dame de Cernay featuring a standing figure with shields in 14th-century style. Each mount features extensive handwritten annotations in Dutch and Latin providing historical context and referencing provenance from the Caland and Eversen collections. This assembly likely dates to the late 19th or early 20th century, a period of heightened interest in genealogical and heraldic study; one mount bears the date March 1921. Card mounts: 3.5 x 3.5 inches to 4 x 4 inches. The wax impressions are generally well-preserved, retaining sharp details. Several red seals exhibit fine hairline cracks or crazing typical of aged sealing wax. The impression for Leonard Ras is a partial fragment. The paper mounts show age-related toning, light foxing, and minor wear to corners and edges.