The ivory handle is of plain shaving brush form; the matrix, engraved with the Exeter arms, is steel.
The form and the use of these somewhat utilitarian materials suggests that it may have been used for official correspondence, perhaps in the Estate Office, unlike the more decorative ones, often incorporating costly materials, which were reserved for personal use.
The purpose however, was the same, to impress melted wax to seal an envelope, thereby ensuring that the contents would be read only by the person to whom they were addressed.
