$80.00
Qty available: 1

A very interesting squirrel wax seal necklace with a bushy tailed squirrel in the act of cracking a nut surrounded by the old English legend I CRAKE NOTIS which translates I CRACK NUTS and in its day was classified as witty ... witty medieval wax seal jewelry. 
The imagery and inscription on this seal is classified as an anonymous (meaning not a personal seal) common wax seal and legend, readily available for purchase "over the counter."  

- symbolism -
Some historians say that the cracking of nuts could be an analogy for cracking open a seal, when it was used to close and secure a letter, or it could describe the ability of the owner (of the seal) to deal with difficult situations or tough negotiations.
A book on Medieval Life states it has a more bawdy meaning and is common sexual imagery symbolic of sexual conquest.
Resources on the language of plants and flowers state that nuts represent stupidity, and we're all familiar with the adjective nuts ... driving me nuts, etc.

- approximate measurement - between 5/8" - 3/4” (17mm)
- wax seal charm metal - sterling silver (.925 silver)
- photographed with an old US dime for scale
- chain - a sterling silver cable chain with a spring ring clasp
- select the necklace chain length or just the charm at checkout

Hand crafted from a small round bronze chessman type wax seal, that dates back to the 14th century. This little seal spent centuries in the ground before being unearthed, as evidenced by the beat up corroded edges.

Impressed with history!

*You can see a seal matrix just like this in the collection at the Museum of London: http://collections.museumoflondon.org.uk/online/object/37618.html