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Description: | A complete lead seal matrix of Medieval date. It is pointed oval in plan, lozenge shaped in section with an integral lug on the back face. The front face carries a die depicting a central fleur-de-lis motif within an incised border. This is surrounded by a legend within incised lines that reads *S'MATILDIS.IOCE., and therefore presumably represents a personal seal of this individual. The back face has at its base an integrally cast lug that is oval in shape with a small circular perforation. Extending from the lug is moulded decoration in the form of a second fleur-de-lis with prominent raised central fleur. The seal measures 35.76mm in length, 20.01mm in width, 3.62mm in thickness (excluding lug), and weighs 10.61g.Seal matrices cast in lead and of pointed oval shape are typical of the 13th century AD. Indeed, Harvey and McGuinness note that this form was typical for seals owned by women and bearing their name, the fleur-de-lis being a particularly common motif (Harvey and McGuinness, 1996: pp. 79-80).
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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