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Description: | A copper alloy Medieval seal matrix. The matrix is a pyramid type, which has a circular base. The reverse of the matrix has a hexagonal sectioned stem which terminates with a trefoil loop and a collar below the loop. On the lower edge there is a '+' which indicates the start of the legend on the underside. The underside of the matrix has a legend and central device with a line dividing the two. The legend starts with a star and reads 'SAVNCTE PERTRI'. The device is a standing male figure wearing drapery and holding a book. Either side of him there are palm leaves and two the right there are two large keys back to back. The matrix measures 27.9mm long, and 20.68mm diameter. It weighs 13.9g. The surface of the matrix has a dark green patina.It is an impersonal matrix. The depicted figure is that of St. Peter wearing a long robe, and the keys signify St Peter being the holder of the keys to heaven. The legend translates as St. Peter. From the late 13th century round seal matrices are between 3.5 and 4 cm diameter, becoming smaller into the 14th century (Harvey, P.D.A. and McGuinness, A. 1996 A Guide to British Medieval Seals British Library and Public Record Office, p. 79). Also the earlier seal matrices do not have a line separating the legend and device, whereas the 13th century examples always do (Ibid). This seal matrix therefore dates to the 14th century.
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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