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Description: | Incomplete cast lead alloy seal matrix of medieval date (1200 - 1400 AD). The incomplete seal matrix is sub-circular in plan with a slightly bowed profile. It measures 40.3mm in length, 38.2mm width and is 4.6mm thick. Originally the matrix would have been circular but significant damage has made it more irregular. It weighs 21.91 grams. The front face of the matrix depicts an elaborate fleur-de-lys formed from three ears of corn (one central erect and two bent over) gathered near the base by a horizontal band. In the diagonal angle formed by the ears of corn are two sub-oval linear recesses (which form sub-oval bars). These could represent two additional ears of corn. This design is enclosed by an incised circular band which separates the design from the inscription. Around the edge of the die, outside the boarder is an inscription in lombardic (?) lettering. Much of this inscription is damaged but enough can be made out to suggest a possible interpretation. The inscription reads either: [Cross] SIGILL AN[SA?][LM]IS FI[LS] WALTERI or [Cross] SIGILL AN[SA?][LM]IS FI[TS]WALTERI. The LL in SIGILL is ligatured and the SA in ANSALMIS is only partial due to damage. This inscription could be interpreted as 'The seal of Ansalmis son of Walter'. The reverse of the matrix is plain. The matrix is of a light-mid grey colour with an even patina. The matrix has also been rolled and abraded in the plough soil. This has damaged the outer edge of the seal face and has caused small amounts of longitudinal cracking on the rear. This rolling has probably also removed the lug on the rear of the seal, which similar circular seals of this date have. This lug enables the matrix to be lifted cleanly from the wax seal impression. From the seal Matrixes size and the image it depicts, it was most likely to represent a person's private personal seal. Similar examples are recorded in Nigel Mills' book: Medieval Artefacts, 1999 page 25 Figure NM 40 and 41. This type of seal is dated to the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, 1200-1400.
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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