A comparison of the two Seal Presses, of similar size and dimension
Two examples of British Manufactory from the turn of the century. Extraordinary condition for their size and world travels. British Ilse's seals have wooden handles, unlike their American Counterparts.
Head to head comparison
Tole paintings enhanced to brighten mundane office equipment, standard for the times
The "spiral body" not seen on any other seal presses known to date. Brass seal and bottom removed when seal was "decommissioned"
Rams head form, 2 other known examples of this seal press, rare find
Rams head features
Rectangular base common amongst British presses
Hoyle Bank Shipping seal. Research shows this company operated around 1904. The name also is for a treacherous sea lane claiming many wrecks in the early 1900's.
Each rectangular base is about the same dimension.
Tole painting on the back of seal, hand applied. Lead based paint no doubt deleterious to the women that painted these,
Spiraling comparison.
Some similar features.
Imposing Physiognomy to say the least.
Golden enhancements to set off features.
Work of an artist craftsman.
set screw used to attach upper engraved die, whereas American seals were pinned to the shaft.