Silver, Brass, Lamps, Jewelry and Metalware

The Only Surviving late 16th/early 17th Century Ivory and Silver Seal of the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, with possible tie to Capt. John Smith

Although there is no conrete evidence that CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH (1580-1631)--soldier, a leader of the Jamestown settlement in Virginia and alleged CORDWAINER was actually a master and liveryman of the Cordwainers Company (makers of boots and shoes), there is a rather splendid statue of Smith in London bearing the following inscription: "Captain John Smith, citizen and Cordwainer." This particular Seal dates to the late 16th/early 17th century and was used by the Master of the Company to imprint a wax impression on official documents. As stated above, if Smith was indeed The Master or even a high ranking member, he may have actually used this seal himself. The seal itself was lost in the Great Fire of London in 1666 and was only rediscovered by the present owner at a London flea market in 1982. It measures 4" high. A true museum piece!