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Description: | A complete cast lead alloy seal matrix of medieval date. The seal is a pointed oval or vessica shape with the remains of a perforated lug set at one end in the centre of the reverse. The reverse is decorated with a moulded fleur de lis, with the handle lug at the base. The front face bears a central motif of a fleur de lis surrounded by the legend "S'MATILDE BAINTON" therefore representing a personal seal of this individual. The impression would be the right way up if the handle lug was placed at the top when using the matrix. The metal is a mid grey colour and is worn and patinated and the matrix is cracked across the centre.Sealing was used for authenticating documents for around 300 years in medieval Britain. Pointed oval shaped seals such as this were popular during the 13th century when they were particularly preferred by women (Harvey and McGuinness, 1996: 79-88). Sadly, no references to Matilda Bainton have been found on the Access to Archives website. Compare YORYM-74E332.
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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