Seal

This seal is made of gold and set with a black basalt intaglio, or engraved gem, inscribed on the back with 'Wedgewood & Bentley 248'. In 1769 the English potter Josiah Wedgwood went into partnership with his friend, the Liverpool merchant Thomas Bentley, which lasted until Bentley's death in 1780. In around 1768 Wedgwood developed a black, unglazed stoneware of fine texture called 'black basalt'. It could be polished and faceted, which made it ideal for imitating antique and Renaissance objects, such as seals, placques, busts and jewellery. This particular 'intaglio' is listed in the 'Catalogue of Cameos, Intaglios, Medals, Bas-Reliefs, Busts and Small Statues...' published by Wedgwood in 1787. No. 248 refers to 'Neptune standing on a shell'.

The figure of the Roman good Neptune usually denotes victory or dominion over the sea, a fitting symbol for the seal's former owner. It was donated in 1926 by Miss Caroline Nias in memory of her mother, Lady Nias. Caroline Isabella Nias, nee Laing, was born in 1828. In 1853, the raven-haired beauty was painted by Lord Leighton (the painting is now in the Fitzwilliam Museum). In 1855 she married the 30-years older Captain Sir Joseph Nias. Born in 1793, Nias entered the Royal Navy in 1807 and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1820, Commander in 1827, Captain in 1835, Rear-Admiral in 1857, Vice-Admiral in 1863 and Admiral (retired) in 1867. He became a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in 1867. Josep Nias served in three expeditions to the Arctic under John Ross and William Parry (1818-1823) and also at the Battle of Navarino in 1827 during the Greek War of Independence.