Seal of the Board of War and Ordnance – Continental Congress – 18th Century Wax Seal Stamp

Seal of the Board of War and Ordnance – Continental Congress Wax Seal Stamp

This wax seal stamp is a reproduction of the official seal used by the Board of War and Ordnance, established by the Second Continental Congress in 1776 to oversee the administration of the Continental Army during the American War of Independence.

Created in the crucible of revolution, the Board was responsible for organising troop deployments, overseeing military supplies, and managing munitions—acting as the nerve centre of the fledgling American military. It was chaired at various times by notable figures such as John Adams, and operated as the de facto Department of War for the nascent United States until the formation of a more centralised War Department in 1781.

The seal itself reflects the martial and revolutionary character of the period. It features crossed cannons and a mortar, framed with the Latin motto Sub Ordine Libertas—"Liberty Under Order"—a reminder that freedom must be defended through disciplined arms. The tools of war symbolise the industrial and logistical foundation upon which American independence was fought and won.

This wax seal stamp is perfect for history enthusiasts, Revolutionary War reenactors, or those with a deep respect for early American institutions. It is a tangible connection to the struggle for independence and the immense effort behind organising a war effort against the world's foremost military power at the time.

🗽 “Posterity—you will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom.” — John Adams