|
Date: |
|
Description: | Silver pedestal / pendant seal matrix of probable post medieval date (1550-1700). The die (face of the seal) is oval in plan and the reverse pedestal rises to a pierced terminal / perforated suspension loop. The body of the matrix is a pedestal which has been formed with a smooth surface (that is with no facets). The perforated loop is formed from an irregular lozenge shaped plate broadly in the shape of a fleur-de-lis. Each of the three lobes has been pierced with a small regular hole. The upper part of this lozenge has been bent slightly by movement in the ploughsoil. The die is oval in plan measuring 14.9mm x 13.5mm. The reverse rises to a height of 27.4mm. The seal matrix weighs 3.84 grams.
The die is poorly cut and consists of a central image which respects the outer edge of the seal. There is no inscription. The design of the seal consists of two main elements these are a single heart which has been pierced diagonally by two arrows forming a saltire cross. Above this central heart is a small standing bird. The bird is advancing left to right and has its head turned backwards (looking over its shoulder). The feet / claws and the wing casings are clearly cut. The bird design is better achieved than that of the heart, so much so that it seems as if the heart maybe a later addition to the die. The edge of the die has suffered from abrasion caused by movement in the plough soil.
The seal is a mid green colour with a much abraded patina. Where the patina has been removed a light green powdery corrosion product is present. This is most evident on the lobed handle and edge of the die face. This style of seal is usually thought to date from the later part of the post-medieval period (17th century) and develops into fob seal in the 18th and 19th centuries. | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Reavill, Peter - Portable Antiquities Scheme | Identifier: | http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_... | Language: | en-GB | Go to resource |
|
More Like this...
-
-
-
-
-
-
SEAL MATRIX
Treasure Case 2013-T307: Specialist Report…
-
-
-
-
|