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Description: | A complete cast copper-alloy seal matrix of Medieval date. It is flat, pointed-oval in shape with a small integrally cast semi-circular suspension loop at the top that has a circular perforation. The die has as its central theme a variant of a fleur-de-lis or a floral/foliate motif with two pellets at its base and contained within an inner pointed oval shaped border. Surrounding the central motif is a legend that reads +SIGILL':ALEXANDRI:AMFREI:, seemingly representing two personal names, Alexander/Alexandra and Amfrei, and therefore perhaps hinting at familial relationship between them (Edward Martin, SCC, Pers. Comm.). The seal measures 45.10mm in length, 25.39mm in width, 3.74mm in thickness, and weighs 21.42g. It is slightly grey in colour and this combined with its weight might indicate a relatively high lead content in the alloy. Seal matrices of pointed oval shape, generally cast in lead, 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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