Wax Seal Impressions from Switzerland and Germany collection circa 1300-1799

Publication/Creation:

1300-1799

Resource Type:

Archival Material or Manuscripts

More Details

Additional/Related Title Information

Full Title:

Wax Seal Impressions from Switzerland and Germany collection circa 1300-1799

Series Titles:

Exhibited: Pitts Theology Library. Materiality of Devotion: From Manuscript to Print.

Subjects/Genre

Genre:

Seals (artifacts).

Subjects:

Seals (Numismatics)
Germany
Switzerland

Description/Summary

Finding Aid:

Finding aid available electronically

Summary:

The seal impressions in this collection range from 1 to 8 centimeters and come in three shapes: round, square, and oblong. They are organized based off the individual or family that they represent, with multiple stamps for the same person grouped together. For the unmarked seals, whose origin is uncertain, they are arranged by shape, and then further arranged by diameter (beginning with 1 centimeter and increasing per half centimeter up until 6 centimeters in diameter, with an 8 centimeter seal as the largest.). Most prominently represented in the collection are seal impressions from Johann Puliant of Eptingen, Hans Jakob Holzhalb, Johannes Staehelin, Savirin, Falkner, Burckhard, and Meissner.

Language:

English

Language Note:

Majority in Latin, some materials may be in German.

Physical Type/Description:

.75 cubic feet (2 boxes)

Restrictions on Access:

Unrestricted access.

Organization and Arrangement:

Arranged alphabetically by name, then size.

Biographical/Historical Note:

The collection consists of 246 wax seal impressions dating from the fourteenth to eighteenth centuries. Originally from Switzerland (e.g., Bern, Basel, Zurich, Appenzel) and Germany (e.g, Prussia, Baden), these seals were used to authenticate documents, charters, and other correspondence during this time period. To create the impression, a matrix is cast (usually made of metal, ivory, or stone) with the negative image on the end. Impressions were originally made with the matrix on a medium of pure beeswax, however, during the eleventh century experimentation with pigments began and the compositions of the mediums were altered in order to create a harder wax and a sharper image. The medium for the impression became an amalgamation of substances (usually a mixture of beeswax with resin, clay, or soft metals), which differed per country. While clearer images were created, the seals themselves became more brittle, ultimately causing cracks to form. The sizes and shapes of the seals also varied, with royal and noble seals steadily increasing in diameter.

Related Resources Link:

Exhibited: "The Materiality of Devotion: From Manuscript to Print" Pitts Theology Library, December 17, 2018 - March 17, 2019

Additional Identifiers

Catalog ID (MMSID):

9936572419902486

OCLC Number:

954338904

Barcode:

300000473661
300000473945