The second Great Seal of Elizabeth I.
Seals were used to authenticate documents, as well providing proof of identity. Most commonly, they are made of wax, shellac (animal resin) or lead. They can be attached directly to a document surface (applied); attached using a joining mechanism, such as cord, silk or strips of parchment (pendant); or separated completely from their original document (loose). Seals can vary in size and condition. They can be found both within, and attached to, documents throughout The National Archives’ collections.
Areas of vulnerability:
- Wax seals naturally lose moisture as they age, leading to brittleness and fragmentation.
- The oils and salts in our skin can affect the appearance of metallic seals and can also lead to corrosion.
- Applied seals are typically made from shellac, which can be extremely brittle. When pages with applied seals are handled, movement can lead to cracking and loss.
- Cords, laces or parchment strips that join pendant seals to a parchment are vulnerable to damage. Incorrect handling can lead to tearing of the document and detachment of the seal.
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- Applied seals are at risk of cracking and becoming detached from their surface.
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- Damage to the cord joining mechanism of a pendant seal.
Handling aids:
- Flat pads can be used to provide a support for seals during handling, preventing damage through contact with a hard table surface.
- Snake weights provide a gentle, flexible weight for use with folded parchment documents
- Vinyl or nitrile gloves should be worn when handling lead seals to protect them from damage caused by the salts and oils in our hands.
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- Flat pads protect seals from contact with a hard table surface.
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- Nitrile or vinyl gloves need to be worn when handling lead seals.
Handling top tips:
- Before handling, assess whether it’s possible to view a document without removing it from its housing. If removal is necessary, pendant seals should be supported using a flat pad to reduce the risk of damage though contact with a hard surface.
- If turning a pendant seal is required, ensure that the document and seal are both turned together to avoid twisting and causing strain at the point of attachment. Do not lift a document and allow a seal to hang freely.
- When working with applied seals, keep the document flat and turn pages with care. This minimises the risk of damage, as applied seals are fragile and can easily become detached from a document surface.
- Weights must not be placed directly onto seals or their joining mechanism.
For more handling tips, watch our guidance video on how to handle seals.