Scope and arrangement
The Mortimer and Anna Neinken Collection of Antique Legal Seals numbers about thirteen thousand examples and covers two centuries beginning about the year 1650. It is believed to be unique in the United States or perhaps in the whole world since two similar collections in Europe have been unheard of since before World War II.
The seals are mounted on sheets of paper, framed in cardboard and covered with cellophane. The first eight boxes are all heraldic, usually displaying the full coat of arms, but in a few instances, only the crest. The majority is of German origin, but many Polish families are represented as well as Italian, French, Russian, English, Spanish, and a few Dutch. The seals are arranged alphabetically by family name. Boxes 11, 12, 14 and 15 contain a supplementary collection, arranged in the same manner. Boxes 9 and 13 are miscellaneous in character. For the most part, they represent local churches, but the seals of a few notable churchmen are included. Box 16 includes Royal families of middle Europe, 1700's and early 1800's. There is also one seal from a synagogue (#10), which is mounted in folder number one. Box 10 contains seals unidentified at time of receipt.
The slipcase contains central European business documents and financial papers, relating largely to the Marburg family, of Gorizia, Italy, 1728 - 1855. Includes doctor's account book, contracts, receipts, edicts and customs passes. Also items relating to Fiume, Italy, 1810 - 1818.
Boxes 10-15 (exclusive of 13) constitute a new alphabet.