“At this time they continued to make those charming miniature smelling bottles and étuis, etc. frequently mounted in gold and sometimes set with precious stones, which have now become scarce and fetch very large prices…” Public Advertiser of April 3rd, 1756. G.E. Bryant’s 1925 authoritative itemized presentation of “Chelsea Toys”, also including Scent-bottles, Etuis and Bonbonnières, is a treasure trove of detailed, factual information regarding seals meticulously crafted in London during the mid-18th century. These charming miniatures consisted of a great number of models of Cupids, many disguised; small figures, birds and animals; some are left plain white, others polychrome. Seals were mainly produced during the so called Derby-Chelsea Period under the supervision of manufacturer William Duesbury, owner of the Derby Porcelain Factory before acquiring the Chelsea Porcelain Factory in 1770 heralding the so-called Derby-Chelsea period of porcelain production until 1784 when the factory at Lawrence Street, Chelsea was demolished. The number of seals that were made from 1754 onward must have been very great, and it is remarkable what a comparitively small number of these have survived, when we consider the large number of models known to us today. The ideas for the Chelsea models find their inspiration from the scent bottles and trinkets of the late Louis XIV period. Much of the design has a French origin and includes Watteau subjects. Other inspiration, such as the Chinese figures, Harlequins and probably most Cupids came by way of Meissen’s designs. Most others are original productions modelled by a few artists who specialized in these small pieces and who took inspiration from literature (Aesop’s Fables, 17th century fairy tales, etc) and other sources of design and arts. Important collections of “Chelsea Toys” are found at the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the London Museum. Collection : Chinese Lady seated on a blue cushion holding a musical instrument, she wears a white dress decorated with purple flowers. The fob is mounted with a gold ring, on a red engraved (Stag and the word “Timidité”) carnelian intaglio. Beautifully detailed ring, 14kt gold mountings French Hallmarked. See Bryant’s plate 37, fob number 19 for a similar subject. 33mm Fob in the form of a Gallant bowing and supported by a green tree stump. He wears a green jacket, holds a black hat, with a white waistcoat and white breeches trimmed in gold. The base is white with the French motto in red, “J’en prens avec Grace”. The seal is mounted with a gold ring, on a red engraved (King George III profile) carnelian intaglio. See Bryant’s plate 41, fob number 8 for a similar subject. 33mm Fob in the form of a Parrot decorated in vibrant purple with a flower spray base. Mounted on a banded agate. 18kt Gold Mountings, French Hallmark. See Bryant’s plate 38, fobs number 11, 16, and 20 for a similar subjects. 31mm Fob in the form of a Dalmatian Dog sitting on its hind-quarters; the base is white with the French motto in red, “Je suis fidelle” (note the incorrect spelling). The seal is mounted with a gold ring, on a red engraved (bird perched on a tree branch) carnelian intaglio. See Bryant’s plate 38, fob number 14 for a similar subject. 31mm Very rare fob in the form of a figure riding on a Camel. The seal is mounted with a gilt gold ring, on an engraved (Barbary corsair profile) white stone intaglio. See Bryant’s plate 44, fob number 8 for a similar subject. 30mm Man seated on a green mound, playing the hurdy-gurdy which is painted red. He wears a black hat, a red cloak, his shirt is decorated with red flowers and gold spots. The base is white with the French motto in red “Tantot Haut Tantot Bas”. See Bryant’s plate 36, fob number 24 for a similar subject. 28mm Seal in the form of a Harlequin and his spotted bull dog. Missing mountings. See Bryant’s plate 39, fob number 1 for a similar subject. 28mm