Curio

State Library of New South Wales
Impression of William Lawson's seal

Impression of William Lawson's seal

Safe 1 / 97 Item 2
Sealing wax

This wax impression of William Lawson’s seal was included in his journal of his expedition across the Blue Mountains. The seal is of Lawson’s coat of arms, which features three sheaves of wheat over a St Andrew's cross and a motto.

The design of William Lawson’s Coat of Arms is emblematic of his personal triumphs. The shape of the escutcheon or shield itself represents achievement; the sheaves of wheat symbolise plentiful harvest, and the St. Andrew’s cross conveys Lawson’s Scottish heritage. The fitting motto Dominus providebit (The Lord will provide) has been interpreted to express Lawson’s agricultural motives.

Types of sealing wax

From the 16th century sealing wax consisted of various proportions of shellac, turpentine, resin, chalk or plaster, and colouring matter (often vermilion, or red lead), but not necessarily beeswax. Sealing wax – in the form of sticks – was melted at one end (but not ignited or blackened) then placed where required, usually on the flap of an envelope. While the wax was still soft, the seal (preferably at the same temperature as the wax, for the best impression) was quickly and firmly pressed into it and released.