Cyphers & Seals

Invented & Engraved by Phillip Barraud, London First Published in 1782.

The 18th century was an era filled with abundant knowledge, exciting explorations, and a surge in technological advancement. Advancements were made possible by the progress made in the printing press, enabling widespread dissemination of information and improved record-keeping.

The 18th century witnessed a deep fascination with the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, which was sparked by the organized exploration and excavation of the ruins in Pompeii and Herculaneum, located in southern Italy. By 1750, a neoclassical style came to dominate various artistic disciplines.

Secret Writing in the Long Eighteenth Century, Theories and Practices of Cryptology

Cambridge University Press Published in November 2022

Summary from Cambridge University -

“Cryptology of the long eighteenth century became an explicit discipline of secrecy. Theorized in pedagogical texts that reached wide audiences, multimodal methods of secret writing during the period in England promoted algorithmic literacy, introducing reading practices like discernment, separation, recombination, and pattern recognition. In composition, secret writing manipulated materials and inspired new technologies in instrumentation, computation, word processing, and storage. Cryptology also revealed the visual habits of print and the observational consequences of increasing standardization in writing, challenging the relationship between print and script. Secret writing served not only military strategists and politicians; it gained popularity with everyday readers as a pleasurable cognitive activity for personal improvement and as an alternative way of thinking about secrecy and literacy.”

Can you Decrypt the Matrix?

An 18th century cypher. 

French Renaissance era items are extreme rarities.

Overall length:3.07in. / 78mm 

Seal Matrix Cachet Dimensions

Diameter:.83in. / 21mm

Thickness: .23in. / 6mm

This is 18th century English and may also be viewed in detail within the British page.

This item was acquired in New England and dates from the Revolutionary War. 

Anyone know who had the initials JA and may have afforded to own this toolset as the Revolutionary War approached?

The original quill holder is present along with two additional blades that interlock securely when fitted to the cutting handle.

This is a compact, hand-sized writing equipment set easily transported within a pocket. 

A small silver porte crayon (2.12in. / 53mm) with perpetual calendar, marked only with the engraved cypher. Acquired from John C. Loring estate.

Silver Case, 17th century silver with gem cut rock crystal top mounted on a gold wire cypher, after circa 1650. Embellished with royal crown engraving on two sides.

Research indicates that following the execution of King Charles I for treason during the time of parliamentary rule under General Cromwell, the Royalists, who remained loyal to the monarchy, sought to honor and commemorate their lost King. 

They expressed their support and sympathy by adorning themselves with various types of jewelry such as slides, pendants, rings, earrings, or cufflinks. 

They often featured the King's initials as monograms or incorporated into a cypher. These special pieces came to be known as Stuart Crystals, as they served as poignant reminders of King Charles I from the House of Stuart.

The style preceded the arrival of other memorial and mourning jewelry types, including memento mori, made during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. 

French 18th Century.

Sodalite handle, ivory blade with engraved silver fitting.