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Description: | An oval lead alloy seal matrix dating from the Medieval period. The central design of a complicated mark, maybe a merchant's mark. It has a vertical central stem with three radiating lines (like a simplified fleur de lis) at the top. There are two dots above it, and a star to each side. In the centre of the stem, a curved lines projects to each side, like stylised leaves. At the base of the stem, there is a cross bar forming a cross. There are two pellets below. The inscription around the edge reads: "+S: AMABIL' FIL' ROB' (C)A". The letters are very crude, and the C has a top cross stroke, making it look like a retrograde J, but Js were not used at this period. Amabile is a Latin girl's name; perhaps the modern descendent would be Mabel. It is a relatively uncommon name. The legend means: 'The seal of Amabile, daughter of Robert [...]'. It has a length of 38.52mm, width 30.07mm, thickness 3.02mm, weight 22.70g. There is a bent perforated lug at one end on the reverse, but no decoration. The matrix probably dates from the 13th or 14th century. For reference see IHS-435811 on the PAS database which also has the name Amabile in the legend.
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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