Bidspirit auction | 1616 City of Dordrecht Red

1616 City of Dordrecht Red Wax Seal ad causas with Protective Mylar Dust Jacket Cover - This lot features a double-sided red wax legal seal, known as a seal ”ad causas,” originating from the city of Dordrecht, Netherlands. The seal is cast around a parchment or paper tag. The obverse side displays an intricate architectural relief depicting a fortified city gate, characterized by a central tower with three arched windows and battlements, flanked by smaller gabled structures and defensive walls. A raised Latin inscription in capital letters runs along the border; while partially worn, the characters DORDRECHT AD CAVSAS are legible, consistent with the formal phrasing SIGILLVM CIVITATIS DORDRECHTENSIS AD CAVSAS. The reverse side features a smaller, circular counter-seal centered on the wax. This secondary impression contains a heater-shaped shield, representing the coat of arms of Dordrecht, surrounded by a circular border of lettering where the name DORDRECHT can be distinguished. The parchment tag is folded through the top of the wax and bears a handwritten date in ink that reads 1616. The item is accompanied by a modern paper note with a transcription reading DORDRECHT ad causas [1616]. As per provided facts, the item is housed in a protective Mylar dust jacket cover. Across the widest point, the seal measures approximately 2.5 inches. From the top of the wax to the bottom edge, it measures approximately 2.25 inches. The red wax seal shows signs of age-related wear and fragility. Several vertical and diagonal cracks are visible across the obverse relief (photo 1 and 2). The bottom edge of the wax is chipped and irregular with visible losses to the border (photo 2). The parchment tag shows heavy staining and darkening, likely from the oils in the original wax application, and is creased from historical folding (photo 3). The counter-seal on the reverse shows softening of the relief but remains identifiable (photo 4). The item is currently stabilized by a protective Mylar cover.