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Description: | Cast lead or lead alloy seal matrix of medieval date (1200 - 1400 AD). The seal matrix is sub-circular in plan with a small integral cast projection on one edge; which corresponds with the start of the inscription. It measures 4.4mm diameter and projects 3.7mm. On the reverse is a raised dome like projection (diameter: 8.1mm) positioned at the centre. This projection is likely to be a shaft for fitting to a wooden handle. It measures 27.1mm in diameter, the face is 3.0mm thick and shaft projects 4.7mm. It weighs 19.83 grams. The front face of the matrix depicts a stylised star burst being formed from a vertical and diagonal cross which is further in-filled evenly by small triangular wedges. This forms a pattern of 16 radiating arms. This design is enclosed by a crudely incised circular band which separates the design from the inscription. Around the edge of the die, outside the boarder is an inscription. The inscription reads (initial: vertical cross formed from four triangular shaped wedges) S' : IO[HN?] : h [? ...] SAE .: I : This inscription could be interpreted as 'The seal of John ?'. The problem of interpretation lies with the poor preservation of the matrix and subsequent corrosion. In the inscription the S is formed from a series of crescents and wedges, the elements are separated with either stops or colons or both, the A is unbarred and the E is closed with a rounded back.The matrix is of a light-mid grey colour with an uneven and slightly corroded patina. The matrix has also been rolled and abraded in the plough soil. A small area has been lost from the matrix face; this damage is relatively recent resulting in a large crack across the face of the matrix. From the seal Matrixes size and the image it depicts, it was most likely to represent a person's private personal seal. This type of seal is dated to the thirteenth century but may have continued into the fourteenth, 1200-1400
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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