19th Century Gold Jacobite Clan Fraser Fob Seal

A rare early 19th-century 15ct gold fob seal of Jacobite interest, featuring handsome gold scrollwork of ornate workmanship to the fob itself, the base set with a cushion-shaped carnelian, the russet stone engraved with the coat of arms for Clan Fraser of Lovat with the clan motto 'Je Suis Prest'- ancient French for ‘I Am Ready.’ The integral bail in scrolling foliate design allows this piece of history to be worn as a pendant if so desired, keeping the motto close to heart.
 
This fob seal was likely owned by a member of Clan Fraser of Lovat and used to seal important documents. While being of great use, fob pendants were also highly fashionable accessories at this time, worn most often on a chain alongside a pocketwatch. Today, fob seals are still enjoyed as elegant accessories and historical heirlooms, and are often worn about the neck on a substantial chain. 
 
The Frasers of Lovat are a Scottish clan, originating from Simon, a younger brother of Sir Alexander Fraser, Chamberlain to Robert I. The Frasers were a prominent Jacobite clan, and Clan Fraser of Lovat has gained particular attention as the clan of fictional character ‘Jamie Fraser’ in Diana Gabaldon’s hugely successful time-travel romance series Outlander, with the character being loosely based on “a Fraser of the Master of Lovat's regiment, who survived the slaughter” at the Battle of Culloden. 
 
 
‘Wherever I wander, wherever I rove,
The hills of the Highlands for ever I love.’ 
 
~ Robert Burns