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Description: | Fragment of a cast copper alloy pedestal / pendant seal matrix of medieval date (1250-1400). The fragment consists of the die and part of the pedestal; the upper pedestal and loop are lost. The broken surface is patinated and worn suggesting damage in antiquity. The die is oval in plan but originally probably circular or sub-triangular (shield shaped) with a diameter of 14mm. The reverse rises to a height of 7.2mm terminating in a worn broken edge. The body of the matrix is a pedestal formed from seven irregular tapering sides. This probably terminates in a trefoil shaped loop (now lost). The seal matrix weighs 2.87 grams. The die / seal face is incomplete and only the central element survives; there is no evidence of an inscription, although this maybe lost. The central design consists of an incised cross potent above a shell like motif. These two devices are contained within a square shaped shield which is bordered by radiating lines. The design is most likely to represent a personal device or be based on a stylised set of arms. The matrix is of a mid-dark green colour with an even but much abraded patina. The worst affected areas of abrasion are on the external edges of the matrix. From the seal matrixes size and the image it depicts, it was most likely to represent a private personal seal. This type of seal is dated to the late thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, 1250-1400.
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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