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Description: | Treasure Case 2012-T508: Specialist Report Seal Matrix from the Wigmore Area - HerefordshireDate: post medieval - 17th CenturyFinder: Mr. Will RuellDate of discovery: March 2012Circumstances of discovery: Found whilst metal detectingDescription:A cast pedestal / pendant seal matrix. The die (face of the seal) is oval in plan and the reverse pedestal rises to a pierced / perforated suspension loop. The body of the matrix is a pedestal which has been formed with six sides which terminate in a circumferential band of three ribs. Above this is the perforated loop which is formed from a trefoil shaped plate which is pierced in three places. From each edge of the trefoil a small oval shaped knop extends. There are no marks on the pedestal or outer rim to indicate the orientation of the die when used.The die face is well cut / engraved. This design consists of a central motif contained within an incised border decorated with V shaped hachure - which would produce a rope like pattern in the impression. There is no inscription. The central design comprises a rampant lion facing right. The incised design is very fine with the details of the face, mane, claws and fur very well realised. The tail is curled behind the back and the mid point has a band of three lines around it. There is little - or no wear present on the matrix and it has a polished surface.Dimensions: The die measures 13.9mm width 14.9mm length; the reverse rises to a height of 25.1mm. The seal matrix weighs 5.99 grams.Discussion and Dating: This type of seal is dates from the 17th century and the Rampant Lion device is frequently encountered. It is likely that this would have acted as a personal seal for the closing of letters / correspondence. Similar silver seals can be seen from Honeybourne, Worcestershire (Richardson 2010), Flixton, Suffolk (Barton 1998) and Chipping Ongar, Essex (McLean 2011)Metal Content: I believe that the precious metal content (silver) of the seal matrix fulfils the requirements of the Treasure Act 1996 in that it is greater than 10%.References:Barton,C (2008) PAS-8E5DD7 A POST MEDIEVAL SEAL MATRIX Webpage available at: http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/216035McLean,L (2011) ESS-3DB3D6 A POST MEDIEVAL SEAL MATRIX Webpage available at: http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/474993Richardson,I (2010) PAS-9599B4 A POST MEDIEVAL SEAL MATRIX Webpage available at: http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/401854AuthorsPeter Reavill Finds Liaison Officer, Portable Antiquities SchemeJohn Cherry, British Museum
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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