A CONTINENTAL GOLD AND GEM-MOUNTED DESK SEAL POSSIBLY ITALIAN, MID-19TH CENTURY

The baluster-form handle cast and chased with satyr masks, putti, merpeople, and grotesques, set with a faceted citrine to the top and further citrine and amethyst stones to either side of the body, the swiveling triple seal engraved on one side with a pair of tablets below scales and in front of a crossed scepter and sword, on the second side with gothic monogram AM, and on the third side with script monogram MT below a garland, apparently unmarked
31⁄8 in. (8 cm.) long
3 oz. 4 dwt. (100 gr.) gross weight

Provenance
Anonymous sale; Christie's, London, 15 July 1998, lot 108.