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Description: | Medieval cast copper alloy pedestal type seal matrix. The matrix is shield shaped with a straight top and concave sides curving in to meet at a point at the bottom. In the lower part is a design of a stags head with a cross between the antlers. Above this is a seperator line and at the top a band contatining the legend LELv (from the medieval french 'lel' / 'leal' meaning loyal, honest or truthful). There is a outer line border around the design and legend. The matrix has a pedestal type handle which rises from the face in six facets, narrowing as it rises to a waist from which it expands out slightly before ending in a flat, transverse, loop at the top. It has broken across the loop with an old, worn break. It is 15.8mm long and 16.0mm wide and is now 13.5mm tall; it weighs 4.44 grams.This type of seal was popular in the 14th century (Harvey and MacGuiness 1996:88-9) and both this legend and the design were widely used, together and in combination with other designs and inscriptions. The design of a stag's head with a cross between the antlers is the emblem for two saints: St Eustachius and St Hubert. The most likely reference is to St. Hubert (656 - 727) who was the patron saint of hunters and who was widely venerated in the Medieval period. See SWYOR-890785 and SUSS-D7AC53 on this database for almost identical matrices. The v at the end of the inscription may be a mistake or filler but the legend LEL SV (French lel sui, "I am loyal") is seen on similar seals (e.g. IHS-AF57E6) as is the legend IESV (e.g. CAM-6EFBE5) and an illiterate die cutter may have got confused.
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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