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Description: | A cast copper alloy pedestal / pendant seal matrix of medieval date (1250-1400). The die is broadly oval in plan measuring 16.1mm x 14.4mm. The handle rises to a height of 26.4mm terminating in a pointed loop. The body of the matrix is a pedestal formed from six irregular tapering sides. These terminate in a double moulded band above which a lozenge shaped pointed loop extends. The diameter of the hole is 2.9mm and it is oval through wear. There are no marks on the body of the pedestal to indicate the direction of the seal face. The seal matrix weighs 8.9 grams.The seal depicts the initial letter W. Above this central letter is a symbol, similar to a very crude fleur de lis or sprig of foliage. Flanking the W on each side are single palms or possibly a wreath. The whole design is enclosed by a single circle created from short curved lines which would create a rope like design in the impression. The design is well cut and even.The matrix is a dark brown colour with an even patina. From the size and the image it depicts, it was most likely to represent a private personal seal, a signet seal. This type of seal is dated to the late thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, 1250-1400. A similar example is HESH-D6D724.
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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