Seals

DateEarly 1800s

Terms

Seals
Boxwood
United States

Dimensions2.54 × 5.08 × 2.54 cm (1 × 2 × 1 in.)

Object numberH0722

DescriptionCarved wooden block seal, boxwood. Carving very delicate and is executed with cameo-like precision. Corners of the block are rounded. On one broad side is an urn with conventional flowers and foliage, above which is carved in block letters: "Elijah Beal, Boston, Mass, Sept. 21, 1831." Beneath are two tiny carved ships and two cannons, with the legend: "U. S. S. Cyane in chase of J. Bull." On the other broad side is carved the arms of the United States of America. The narrow sides are seals, one having the name E. Beal, in large mirror-image block letters within a foliated scroll; the other the full name, "Elijah Beal", in smaller letters.