A mid 19th century banded agate desk seal

A mid 19th century banded agate desk seal, the hardstone waisted seal with scrolling gold decoration, set with a bloodstone seal carved with a crest of lion within a garter border bearing the motto 'FORTITUDINE ET FIDELITATE', height 6.5cm

The crest and motto is by repute that of the Browns of Merton Place, Surrey, which was the home of Horatio, Lord Nelson and Emma, Lady Hamilton, from 1801 until 1805.