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Description: | A cast copper-alloy seal matrix of Medieval date. It has a flat circular die that is slightly damaged to one side, with hexagonally faceted conical terminal that tapers to a trefoil-shaped suspension loop with quatrefoil aperture. Just beneath the suspension loop is a transverse collar with central projecting ridge. At the centre of the die is depicted the standing figure of St. George holding a small shield bearing the cross of St. George in one hand and a transverse spear in the other. At his feat is a dragon with long curling tail, with head to the right which he is spearing. St. George's head extends through the legend to the edge of the die, the remainder of the central design contained within an inner circle and with single pellets to either side of the figure. The surrounding legend reads S['] CVRAT[?] DE SARRIS. This seal measures 23.36mm in height, 21.25mm in diameter, and weighs 11.17g.The use of a non-heraldic motif and a legend that is non-personal in form is typical of seal matrices from the 14th century onwards (Harvey and McGuinness, 1996: 88). The presence of St. George on the current example is of some interest as it represents an early depiction of the saint. It is uncertain precisely what the surrounding legend refers to, although presumably 'CVRAT' relates to 'curate' or similar, perhaps indicating 'care of' rather than a personal name, which would appear unusual. The final word in the legend, SARRIS, is again uncertain but may potentially be a personal name. This seal is of probable 14th century AD date.
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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