$95.00
Qty available: 1
Always varying yet ever true, the windmill or in French "moulin a vent" antique intaglio wax seal stamp or desk seal.

- description -
An antique desk wax seal with an engraving of a windmill, with four vanes and a flag at the top, sitting in the tall grains or grass above the initials CLH.

The windmill is a rather complicated structure which was built for the simple purpose of grinding small grains... it converts the energy of wind to a rotational motion by means of adjustable vanes called sails. Some windmills were built in the direction of prevailing winds and some were built with a horizontal axle so that they could turn to face the wind. A miller is one of the oldest occupations... one who made his living operating the windmill and grinding the grain into flour. The miller worked when the wind was blowing... often at night or during storms.

- symbolism -
In heraldry and history, the motto of the windmill is "always varying yet ever true."

Presumably, the original owner of this Victorian era (1837 - 1901) wax seal was a miller, with the initials CLH. He used this wax seal to stamp his correspondence.

Historically, oftentimes surnames were occupational surnames. Based on the occupation of a miller, mill keeper, or mill, here are some of the derivatives of Miller - Milner, Milnar, Millward, Meunier, Dumoulin, Moulin, Demoulins, Meuller, Muller, Molenaar, Molinaro, Molinero and probably many more.
Isn't history just fascinating?

- approximate measurement - 2 3/4" (75mm) tall
- wood turned handle
- matrix measurement - almost 3/4" width x 7/8" (18mm x 23mm)
- metal - bronze

All sales final on antique wax seals - no returns
Go make some history!