THE COLONEL CHARLES DE LAET WALDO-SIBTHORP SEAL
A 19TH CENTURY HARDSTONE DESK SEAL
Estimate: £500 - £800
Auction: Silver & Objets de Vertu | Wednesday 4th March at 10am
Description
The handle carved as a lion mask, to a fluted gold mount and collar, the oval bloodstone matrix engraved, Nil Conscire sibi in a garter border, enclosing four various crests, of Coningsby (a seated rabbit), Waldo (a demi-leopard), Sibthorp (a demi-lion) and Williams (a cockerel), the motto is that of Sibthorp.
Dimensions
9.5cm long
Provenance
The Matrix Collection
Footnote
Charles de Laet Waldo Sibthorp (1783-1855)
The antagonistic character of Colonel Sibthorp was a well-known figure within the House of Commons from 1826-32 and then 1835-1855 and was depicted in many Punch caricatures. He is particularly remembered for his anti-reform ideals, and opposition to change of any form, which at the time was fast past. He believed that any change was a sign of degeneracy for Britain. His strong views against the impact of trains and more so foreign influences noticeably offended Queen Victoria and her relationship with Prince Albert.
Failing to graduate Oxford meant that Sibthorp joined the army instead, serving in the Royal Scots Greys first, and later with the Dragoon Guards during the Peninsular War. Serving during the Napoleonic Wars, until 1822, he then inherited his family estate at Canwick Hall in Lincolnshire where he married Maria Tottenham in 1812 and they had four children. The house was the seat of the Sibthorp family from the 17th to the 20th century.