Seal matrix and patent document within a hinged, rectangular wooden box. The document is a patent awarded to Thomas Roberts, Engineer and is dated December 1860. The patent is comprised of two large sheets attached by a small rope to a large circular seal matrix. The patent reads, “Thomas Roberts of Holborn in the County of Middlesex Engineer hath by his petition humbly represented unto us that he is in the possession of an invention for improvements in the construction of ships and batteries and in rendering them capable of resisting the destructive force of shot shell and other missiles”. The seal matrix is yellow in colour with the image of Queen Victoria upon her throne on the obverse and Queen Victoria upon horseback on the reverse. The wooden box is green in colour with “Hughes & Son Patent Agents 123 Chancery Lane London” upon the lid.
