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Rare Antique Gold and Agate Intaglio Seal Smyth Family Cum Plena Magis

£1,200.00

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Description

Rare Antique Gold and Agate Intaglio Seal Smyth Family Cum Plena Magis

Offered for sale this scarce agate intaglio seal, which I believe it dates from around the 1780s.
It is made from a single piece of translucent agate in a beautiful pale grey-white lace.
At the top, it has a gold-colour ring, while the base cuff is made of thick gold-colour metal.
I don't know what the gold grade is, so I will call it just gold colour as there are no hallmarks on it.
The body of the pendant features fabulous pointed facets, including a comfortable "waist" that allows it to serve its intended purpose as a wax seal.

Additionally, the base is beautifully engraved with what I believe to be the Smyth Family motto, "Cum Plena Magis".
"Cum Plena Magis" means "Never Content", in other words, always wanting more, never complete.
Also, It could be a variant of the motto cum plena est, sit emula solis, "when full, she may rival the sun", which is listed in the Routledge Dictionary of Latin quotations. The full form might then be something along the line of "luna cum plena magis lucet", "the moon when full shines brighter", that my be a good gess as there is the moon crescent crest on it.

The moon crescent crest it seems to be The Kilgour or Killgowr Family Crest, which is an old Scottish family.

Also there are the initials "JS", possibly for James Smyth or John Smyth.

It measures about 4.5cm H x 3.2cm W x 2.5cm D

Total Weight: 18.12 grams

It is in good condition for its age, with visible signs of age and usage.
It will need a good cleaning.
It comes in the original conditions as found and sold as seen.

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