A Superbly Carved Antique Bone Desk Wax Seal

with a Russian noble armorial,

Northern Russia, circa 1800.

The bone handle is carved in neo-classical taste with a figure of a cupid examining sharpness of his arrow.

Height – 9,6 cm (3 3/4 in.)

The bone carving is in perfect condition.

The silver plated copper matrix of the seal is engraved with a simplified armorial of one of the members of the Zmeev family.

Below is a picture of the full armorial of the Zmeev family from COATS-OF-ARMS OF NOBLE FAMILIES OF THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE, 1800, volume 5, No. 91.

Ivan Zmeev was granted the title of nobility in 1631. His children were awarded lands for service and bravery, in 1686, by the order of Tsars Ioan and Peter (who reigned jointly at the time).