|
Date: |
|
Description: | Fragment from a cast lead alloy pedestal / pendant seal matrix of probable later medieval date (1350-1500). The die is uneven and only a small fragment survives. It is likely that originally the die face was oval and measures 22.4mm length and 16.5mm width. The reverse of the rises to an irregular pedestal formed from five tapering sides most likely terminating in a loop. However, the loop is broken as the pedestal is broken 2/3 along its length. The pedestal rises to a broken height of 19.4mm. The seal matrix weighs 17.79 grams. The die is heavily but poorly cut. It is likely that there was no inscription and that the face consisted of a crude shield with a central device. All that remains of this are a series of linear geometric patterns which can be made into several different shapes. The most convincing is a conjoined V and W (or N and M) depending how you align the die. The majority of the design has been lost due to a combination of both corrosion and abrasion in the plough soil. The matrix is of a mid grey colour with an even but abraded patina. There are also areas of light active powdery corrosion present - mostly on the body of the seal. The edge of the die has suffered greatly from abrasion and chipping caused by movement in the plough soil, here the surfaces are laminating. From the seal matrixes size, and the device (?) it depicts, it was most likely to represent a private personal seal. This type of seal is dated to the late fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, 1350-1500, due to the shape and style of the pedestal.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
|
|