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Description: | Medieval copper alloy seal matrix. The matrix is of the typical conocal form and has a small, flat, round face into which the seal design has been incised. The matrix tapers in a rough, hexagonal cone to the short stem, which is also hexagonal. The stem ends in a flattened, rounded area which has been pierced to form a suspension loop. The design shows the head of a deer with a long nose, drooping ears and antlers curling up. There is a cross between the antlers. The legend runs around the edge, starting with a six-pointed star in the centre above the deer. The lettering is quite debased but reads 'PRIVE SV'. The seal therefore seems to show one of the symbols of St Eustace, patron saint of hunters (the deer with the crucifix between its antlers) with the inscription 'Prive Su', meaning 'I am private'. Height 18.9mm, diameter (seal face) 15.4mm, thickness (stem) 6.7mm, weight 4.71g. Dated
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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