This vintage bronze paperweight is a replica of an ancient Hebrew seal known as 'the Seal of Shema'. These replicas were issued by Antiques of the holy land Ltd. in the 1960's and 1970's. The seal being depicted has a roaring Lion of Judah in the center. Above and below the lion is ancient Hebrew writing that translates to 'Belonging to Shema servant of Jeroboam'. The original seal dates to the reign of King Jeroboam II from 792-752 B.C.E. Jeroboam II was the thirteenth king of the ancient Kingdom of Israel. Shema who the seal belonged to is thought To Have Been one of the king's ministers. The seal was found at Megiddo during an early 20th century excavation. This replica has a great aged appearance. The design copied from the seal is very attractive. This is a neat representation of the deep roots of Judahan history.