AMERICAN WAX SEAL STAMP, 18TH EARLY 19TH CENTURY

The use of envelopes for mail dates to the early 19th century. Before that, letters were folded with the blank side out and sealed with red wax. The custom was to impress the wax with the seal of the sender. This is a sealing wax seal with the monogram M in an early, obsolete font. It is 2 ¼” height with gilt face and charming rosewood grip. Excellent preservation.