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Description: | A non-heraldic (perhaps secular) seal matrix, with a conical handle, made of copper-alloy. The seal matrix stands to a height of 17.2mm. The die is flat. The reverse of the die (as it extends into the handle) is undecorated. On the handle there is a small rib just before the loop. The handle terminates with a quatrefoil, which has been slightly bent out of position. There does not appear to be a legend on the die of this seal matrix, but instead a figure is praying inside what looks like some sort of church. The figure appears to be a small boy with his hand together in prayer. The figure is holding his hands in front of his face, his thumb, forefinger and middle finger are extended but the other fingers are bent down. The figure appears to have been carved with great detail and skill, which contrasts with the way the 'church' and the possible letters around him have been carved. These appear to have been carved much more crudely as if the master craftsman carved the central figure and passed his junior the seal matrix to finish. This gives the seal matrix a rather crude appearance. To the left of the church there are three possible letters (perhaps AOI) and on the other side two more letters which are too worn to read. Furthermore there is a letter 'I' in front of the boy's knees. The die is well worn and so crudely made that it is difficult to read the possible legend in full and to see how all the letters relate to each other. The edge of the die is also chipped and well worn. The seal matrix is complete, although well worn. The seal matrix is otherwise in a good condition but 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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