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Description: | A damaged and incomplete cast copper-alloy medieval seal matrix of conical form (c. 14th century AD). The handle is hexagonally faceted. Its moulded collar is elaborate with three ridges, the central one thicker than those above and below; the terminal for suspension has been lost as a result of old damage. The circular die has suffered some damage to its circumference as a result of an old strike. Between an outer and inner border is the legend: 'SAVCTA MARIAM *' ('Saint Mary'). This legend seems slightly blundered, with a 'V' instead of an 'N' and with an extra 'M' at the end of 'Maria'. The location of a star at the end of the legend is unconventional. The device is carved in intaglio and extends, at the top, through the inner border right to the outer. It depicts a pair of canopied niches with a fleur-de-lys between. There is a female standing figure within each niche; they face each other and hold something, showing each other. It perhaps represents the visitation of Elizabeth (pregnant with John the Baptist) by her cousin Mary. The artefact has corroded to a dark grey-green colour with some pitting. Inscription: SAVCTA MARIAM | 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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