A 700-year-old bronze seal commissioned by Robert the Bruce has been prevented from leaving the UK because of its importance to Scottish history.
UK culture minister Ed Vaizey called the seal “irreplaceable” and placed a temporary export bar on it in the hope a buyer can be found to keep it in the country.
They will need to match the asking price of £151,250 after the seal was sold at auction to a foreign buyer last December.
Vaizey said: “This amazing artefact represents one of the few objects directly associated with Robert the Bruce’s reign. Its departure would not only result in the loss of this irreplaceable item, but it would also strip us of the opportunity to learn more about this exceptional figure.”
The two-part bronze seal dates from 1322 and was used on documents to mark the king’s authority. The upper part is engraved with Saint Margaret, the founding saint of Dunfermline Abbey, and the lower part bears the royal arms of Scotland.
The decision to defer was taken on the recommendation of the reviewing committee on the export of works of art and objects of cultural interest.
Committee member Leslie Webster called it a “remarkable and handsome” seal which was of national importance on several counts.
“It is closely linked to the charismatic figure of Robert the Bruce, and to the history and institutions of Scotland at a crucial time in its evolution as a nation; its association with the royal abbey of Dunfermline sheds light on how the king acted out his authority, delegating the powers of the crown; and its outstanding quality may suggest the influence of French craftsmen.”
The decision on whether to give the seal an export licence was deferred until 21 June, although that could be put further back if a serious intention to raise funds is expressed.
