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Description: | Copper-alloy seal matrix, flat and pointed-oval in shape. It measures 34.5 mm long and 21.8mm wide, is 5.9mm thick and weighs 6.9g. The reverse is flat and undecorated and has a small pierced lug at the 12 o'clock position; a rib runs from this lug to the 6 o'clock position, tapering smoothly to a point. The engraved central motif shows a figure, sitting in a small boat, in profile facing left (on the impression) and perhaps wearing a small plain cap. He is steering with an oar held in his left hand; the boat has a vertical mast with horizontal crosstree and a curved rope below. A bird appears to be sitting on some structure in front of the figure, possibly consisting of his right hand and two upright posts. Schematic waves are shown below the boat, which has its planks clearly depicted. The legend is set between two narrow ridged borders which are now difficult to discern in many places. The small squarish letters are very unclear and difficult to read, but may possibly start + S' IOh --- before being interrupted by the stern of the ship. Beyond this, the inscription appears unreadable from the impression. The inscription may therefore be translatable as Seal of John.....The matrix has a mid green patina and shows some signs of corrosion. It dates to the medieval period, 13th or 14th century. There appears to be no parallel on the PAS database for seal matrix showing a boat or ship and a sailor.
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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