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Description: | A slightly corroded cast copper-alloy medieval seal matrix of conical form (c. 14th century AD). The handle is hexagonally faceted. It is divided from a quatrefoil handle quatrefoil suspension loop by an elaborate double collar. The loop has a quatrefoil perforation (4.15 by 4.65mm). The circular die appears to features the device of two buildings with a fleur-de-lis between and above them engraved in intaglio. This is within a deep trefoil border, which is itself within a circular border formed of fine dots. In the three spandrels thus created is a further trefoilate device. The adjacent buildings have central doors, with a central tower above flanked by a turret on each side. Stone courses are delineated by incisions. The buildings are reminiscent of those on the arms of the City of Winchester which are thought to represent the city's gates, although other important structures such as castles and churches cannot be ruled out as possibilities; the legend implies that the castle is represented. The well-defined lis between the structures is large and fills one of the three circles. A legend outside the border appears to read '* S E...TV : CASTRI : WINTONIE :' '[Seal of ...] Castle of Winchester'). The artefact has a dark grey metal but is covered in green and brown corrosion product.
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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