1358: Carved Seal, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Start Price USD 22,500.00 Current Price USD 24,000.00 Time Left - Bid Count 1 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Saturday, November 22, 2008 End Time Saturday, November 22, 2008 Location Philadelphia, Pennsylvania See more about '1358: Carved Seal, Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Description Current Lot Carved Seal, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Carved pine Seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts last quarter 19th century Carved with the figure of an Indian dressed in a shirt, leggings and moccasins, holding a bow in one hand and an arrow in the other, with the Latin motto 'Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem,' (By the sword we seek peace but peace only under Liberty) inscribed in the bannerette. H: 69 in. W: 71 in. PROVENANCE: Before its removal this August, the seal hung on the exterior wall of a hunting lodge on the grounds of an estate in Meadowbrook Station, Pennsylvania. The property was originally owned by Thomas B. Wanamaker (1862-1908), business man and owner of the progressive Philadelphia newspaper The North American and, son of legendary Philadelphia merchant John Wanamaker (1838-1922). NOTE: The Commonwealth Seal used in this large carving can be dated to the last quarter of the 19th century by comparing it to a variety of seals used by engravers of that period. The Massachusetts Legislature did not mandate the use of a single seal until 1898. John Wanamaker was very involved in the Financial Committee of the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition and it is thought that the seal may have been used as one of the many 'Trophies' hanging from the exhibition halls at the Centennial and purchased at the close of festivities. Place a Bid!