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Description: | A complete cast copper-alloy medieval seal matrix of conical form which has survived well. The handle is hexagonally faceted, with the divisions between the faces being blurred as it flares out either through manufacture or wear. It has a distinct moulded ridged collar which a groove above and below. The suspension loop above is trefoil with a central circular perforation surrounded by bevelling in the shape of a quatrefoil. The circular die features the device of a stag seated left rendered in intaglio. It is well carved with antlers, a pellet eye, tail, fore and hind legs, and a coat delineated by diagonal ridges. Surrounding the device is the legend: '* TIMETE DER?I.'. The pellet is at 9 o'clock on the die (3 o'clock on the seal).
The stag motif can be found on other matrices: one illustrated in Read (2001, 78; ref. 593) also depicts a seated stag or hart. The creature is most commonly associated with the legends of Saints Hubert and Eustace who both had visions of the cross between the antlers of a stag. Further information about the legends can be found in the following PAS database record: " IHS-AF6692 . In the above Irene Szymanski notes that some matrices depicting a stag feature the pious invocation 'TIMETE DEVM' ('fear God'). It would seem that the legend on this seal matrix can be categorised as religious, if somewhat mis-spelt. It dates approximately to the 14th century AD. Inscription: * TIMETE DER?I . | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Webley, Robert - Portable Antiquities Scheme | Identifier: | http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_... | Language: | en-GB | Go to resource |
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