|
Date: |
|
Description: | Medieval seal matrix. Cast in copper alloy the matrix is circular with a heavy conical handle with a hexagonal cross section. The handle has three, narrow raised collars before an openwork trefoil terminal. The outer legend of the seal reads X SIGILLUM WILLI.DE.LESCETRE (in lombardic lettering) - the seal of William of Lescetre. The main field has a stylised foliate border with a quatrefoil on each side, around a small cross with the letters 'WB' below. To the left of the cross is a smaller letter 'A' (left of the 'W' is another (?)engraved line, possibly an 'I'; the area to the right of the cross is covered in a patch of copper corrosion, obscuring the detail). This is possibly a merchant's seal, or it could be a personal seal for someone not engaged in trade.The seal matrix is 40.75mm long, 11.52mm wide and 9.07mm thick across the handle, and the circular face of the seal has a diameter of 21.75mm. It weighs 31.57 grams. It has a dull dark brown patina and has small patches of copper corrosion on the face of the matrix.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
|
|