SOLD: UNIQUE silver seal belonging to Charles Gilbert Master CSI (Order of the Star in India) British Raj Mughal Period official seal c1870-1875

This is a very significant and important piece of history from British India that was made for a senior civil servant who first went to India in 1854 aged 21 and became very powerful as he worked his way up the ranks and was awarded the Order of the Star in India (CSI).

This was the personal official seal of Charles Gilbert Master CSI.

It is of an impressive size considering most official seals held by indigenous officials were around one inch in length and quite flat. This seal sits 3.5 inches in height, measures 3 inches across the face and weighs 83g.

This seal comes complete with a card label with old style handwriting describing the inscription on the seal. Also included is an old plaster impression of the seal.

The text reads as follows:

“Charles Master Zamindar (“Landowner”)

[unknown name of village]”

Master moved to India in 1854 and served as Commissioner of Income Tax from 1860 to 1865 and Revenue Secretary to the Madras government from 1877 to 1882, when he was made Chief Secretary.

Master served as a member of the Madras Legislative Council from 1884 to 1889. He was made a Companion of the Order of the Star in India (CSI) in 1887. This rare seal would be from the period 1860-1889 during which time Charles Master held official positions and hence the need for this seal.

Despite being a very important “Servant of Her Majesty Queen Victoria”, it appears that Master was accused of abusing his position as a Civil Servant to acquire land in India for personal business interests! The British Parliament heard allegations of misconduct in office against Master (details available on request).

In very good, clean and undamaged condition apart from some minor blemishes. You can see some red sealing wax remnants in the deep recesses of the incised text.

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More details about his career:

Entered East India Company Madras Civil Service 1854 aged 21

Assistant to Collector and Magistrate Masulipatam 1855

Head Assistant Collector and Magistrate of Guntoor 1856

Deputy Secretary to Government of Madras

Secretary to Board of Examiners and Sub Secretary to Board of Revenue 1859-1866

Returned to England 1866-1869

Acting Collector and Magistrate of Nellore 1869

Collector and Magistrate of Cuddaph 1870

Collector, Magistrate and Agent to the Governor of Ganjam 1871

Acting Revenue Secretary to Government 1874

We have seen several similar silver seals owned by European politicians sell for in excess of £5,000.

Prices are negotiable within reason so please contact us if you wish to discuss an item that is of interest.

Shipping will be at cost and the buyer is responsible for any import/export fees or taxes.

We only ship using tracked services that require a signature on delivery.

Viewing is strictly by appointment and a minimum of 48 hours notice is required as no items are stored on site.

All of our Islamic Art is guaranteed to be genuine and as described.

We also further guarantee that our artefacts are legitimately sourced.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF SALE

All items are guaranteed genuine and as described.

A Certificate of Authenticity is provided on request.

Payments must be made in UK GBP£Sterling unless otherwise agreed.

We are not responsible for any import taxes, fees and charges collected in your country.

Please contact us before making any returns so we can issue a return order number.

Returns can only be made if a written statement from a national museum or international auction house provides evidence that an item is not as described.
Please note that any returns will be subject to a 10% return fee to cover any costs incurred.