How were kings not “hacked” in the olden days?

Question

Specifically, I’m talking about their signet rings, seals, etc.
Couldn’t someone just make a copy? Or make one that looks extremely similar?
Imagine “hacking” the king. You could start wars or do whatever you wanted just by getting a letter sent somewhere.
I understand it’s not as easy as it sounds and one would have to first obtain said seal or wax imprint from a letter or something but I’m surprised I’ve never heard of it being done.

EDIT: Anyone else now wanna see a movie get made about someone (or some team) pulling off a ‘heist’ like this?? Obviously set back in the olden days.

In: 2491

Answer 1

Could it be done? Yes in theory, but in practice it would be difficult.

To start with to make a copy you’d need to either steal the original (which would be noticed quickly as these things were often used daily), or steal something sealed with it (also dangerous as sealed documents were often expected by the recipient, so if it didn’t arrive questions would be asked).

Then you would need to find someone skilled enough to make a copy, and dishonest enough to not report it. Especially if they have to reverse it from a wax seal, which is much more difficult than copying from the original.

Then assuming you could make a passable copy without raising, you’d run into the next problem of actually using it. A royal seal in and of itself isn’t a master key. anyone who is used to receiving sealed letters would expect them to be delivered by particular messengers, and have a certain quality paper, ink, handwriting, etc. Anyone used to receiving one getting this imitation is going to ask questions. Anyone not used to receiving one directly will ask why the regent is sending them sealed letters and probably ask their local lord, and see above, questions will be asked.

I’m not saying it couldn’t be done, but the amount of effort required to get everything else to work with a copied seal would have to make any payout enormous. And the penalties for what is the early version of identity theft were steep.

Fun fact: one of my wife’s ancestors once stole a watch and seal of andEnglish gentleman, managed to escape custody, and when caught the next day charged with stealing hand cuffs as well. Then he was sent to Australia.