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Description: | Incomplete abraded cast copper alloy 'vesica' shaped seal matrix of medieval date (1200-1400). The seal matrix is sub-oval (probably originally oval with pointed ends) in plan and sub-rectangular in cross section. It has been heavily abraded by movement in the ploughsoil: it measures 23.5mm in length, 18.2mm width, is 5.1mm maximum thickness (2.8mm thick across the seal face) and weighs 4.25 grams.On the reverse face of the seal on the upper edge in alignment with the two pointed ends, is a small sub-oval perforated lug. This lug is set at an angle of 90° to the plain of the body of the seal and expands from a vertical rib which divides the upper part of the seal in two. The lug is broken due to movement in the ploughsoil. Apart from this rib the reverse of the matrix is plain and undecorated. The design on the front face of the matrix consists of a central motif with an inscription reading anti-clockwise (clockwise in the impression) around the edge. The design of the central motif is well cut but poorly preserved it consists of a deeply cut crowned bust. The design is similar to that seen on later medieval coinage (specifically the groat coinage of Edward III), in that the crown is formed with a band from which extends a series of worn projections, presumably central lis and side fleurs and ornaments. Also the hair is depicted in waves at the side of the head. It has been suggested that this design could represent crowned Mary, Queen of Heaven - a relatively typical religious motif seen on seals. The inscription is lost though abrasion, small elements are preserved and from this it can be seen that the lettering is open with lombardic letters, it is also very small and well spaced suggesting that the inscription is long. The initial mark is a lis and starts [?A]VE [?MARIA?]. It is possible the full inscription may have read AVE MARIA GRATIA PLENA DOMINUS TECUM, BENEDICTA TU IN MULIERIBUS (Hail Mary Full of Grace, the Lord is with Thee, Blessed art thou among women...) or a contracted version thereof. The seal is a light green colour with an abraded patina that covers most surfaces. There are a number of areas of abrasion present to both faces of the seal; where these occur a light grey green powdery corrosion product is present. Similar vesica shaped seals can be seen in the Salisbury Medieval Catalogue and are dated to the 13th and very early 14th Century (1200-1350). This seal would fit with the later part of this date range.
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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PURSE
Incomplete cast copper alloy purse…
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