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Description: | A complete cast lead alloy seal matrix, of Medieval dating (c. 1250 - c.1350 AD).The seal matrix has a circular die, with a sub circular tab handle. The handle has a rectangular cross section. The suspension loop has been positioned off centre in the handle, and is sub circular in shape. It has an internal diameter of 2.52mm. No marks appears to be visible to aim orientation of the die.The die depicts four leaves arranged in an quatrefoil design, surrounded by the legend around the edge. Each leaf consists of five (5) diagonal petals or leaves. The legend can be read but may be illegible in nature. It appears to read GRON W [ ]ON AP HOVA[ ]S. Inscriptions on seal matrixes of this type tend to be in the form of 'XXX, Son of XXX'. As the inscription is probably in welsh, (AP being Welsh for 'Son of'), the names are likely to be in Welsh, and therefore the inscription would need to be translated by someone fluent in Medieval Welsh.The seal matrix is a light mid grey colour, with an even surface patina present. Some of the edges demonstrate a minor degree of abrasion, resulting in the illegibility of the inscription and roughening around the edges.The seal matrix measures 15.82mm tall, 27.68mm diameter at the base and the top of the handle measures 13.63mm wide by 3.74mm thick, the die is 5.30mm thick. It weighs 30.4 grams.This seal matrix is probably that of a personal one, although the individual can not be identified at present. Several similar seal matrixes have been recorded on the PAS database (CPAT-0791F5, LIN-D66B72 and LVPL-B63744), all of 13th to 14th Century dating.
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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