Diameter: 16.8cm (6.7in)
Silver. Of circular form the cover engraved with the Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom, as used between 1714 and 1801. Hand-engraved '20' to underside. Plain interior. Maker’s mark of Thomas Heming as recorded 1750 to 1758.
Seal cases or skippets of this type were made to house the wax impression of the Great Seal of the United Kingdom, giving the act, writ, decree or grant to which it was attached the authority of the Sovereign. A William IV example in the Royal collection is described as having been converted for use as an inkstand for the King. Similarly, another Royal Seal box, also converted, was given by George V and Queen Alexandra to the Marquis of Crewe in 1913.