This watch fob or seal features the Washington family coat of arms in a shield carved in moonstone, and opens to reveal a profile of George Washington inscribed on a carnelian stone. According to Mount Vernon, the first president had his family’s heraldic crest applied to a wide variety of items, including silverware, horse-drawn carriages, walking sticks and even the interior of Mount Vernon, where it graced the wooden fireplace mantel in the front parlor. The District of Columbia flag also bears the design of the Washington coat of arms.
Watch seals were worn attached to a watch chain and were often incised, like this one, so that they could be used to stamp the sealing wax on letters and documents.