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Description: | A non-heraldic personal seal matrix, with a conical handle, made of copper alloy. The seal matrix stands to a height of 18.6mm. The die is flat but is octagonal in shape. The reverse of the die (as it extends into the handle) reflects this octagonal shape as each angle of the octagonal tapers to the loop. One angle of the octagonal has four punched holes in the shape of a diamond, which indicates the 'top' of the seal matrix in relation to the picture on the die and the legend. This design was obviously used to indicate to the user the correct position for the seal matrix. On the handle there is a small rib just before the loop. This is the only decoration on the handle. The legend begins with a dot (the initial mark) and reads .LEO PVNGNAT CVN DRAGONE, which translates to mean 'the lion fights with the dragon'. The legend has been written in lombardic style letters with 2-3 letters in each octagonal shape, the sets of letters are decoratively curved and are enclosed within curved lines of very small punched holes. This style of lombardic lettering normally dates to the early 15th century (c. 1400-1450). The central motif (on the die) represents a lion and a dragon fighting, as the legend would suggest. The seal matrix is complete, although slightly worn. It is otherwise in good condition although the metal has lost some of its original surface. The diameter measurement relates to the widest part of the die.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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