|
Date: |
|
Description: | A complete cast copper-alloy revolving seal matrix of post-medieval date (18th century). The handle is sub-trapezoidal in form, or ornate form with curvilinear sides. It is decorated with two standing figures, one on either side; the edges are decorated ornately with symmetrical moulded foliate scrolling interspersed; it tapers to the edge which has two symmetrical moulded pronged protrusions in the shape of a 'V'. There are three sets of symmetrical knops, the lowest is situated just above the bar. The revolving die is accommodated in a 'C' shaped recess; this has been decorated with a finely incised, rope like border.One side of the handle depicts a standing female figure in a corseted dress and hat. Their right hand is resting on their waist and their left arm is raised holding a fan; drapery is visible on the arms and ends at the elbow. The other side of the handle has a standing male figure holding a cane in their outstretched right hand and a tricorne hat held against their waist by their elbow.The revolving seal die is decorated bifacially: it depicts a winged personification of death walking right (left on the impression) and a helmeted bust facing right (left on the impression). The winged personification of death is lightly draped and walking along a torse (twisted rope), holding a sand timer in their right hand and a long bladed scythe in their left; the blade curves round the field beyond the wings. The bust is of a helmeted, clean-shaven male; the helmet is semi-hemispherical and does not seem to have either cheek or neck guards, it is adorned on the crest with possibly a zoomorphic figure, perhaps a serpent. At the shoulders appears to be body armour, perhaps a cuirass. The seal die has a die axis measurement of 6 o'clock.The items worn and held on the handle would suggest a post-medieval date for this revolving seal matrix: the style of the women's dress was popular in the early 18th century and tricornes fell out of fashion prior to the French Revolution. Parallels can be found on this database, refs.: DENO-712218, SUSS-A69BF1. This piece now has a bronzy (variable yellow-brown) colour.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
|
|