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Description: | An incomplete cast copper alloy pedestal / pendant seal matrix, of Medieval dating (AD 1250 to AD 1400).The body of the matrix consists of a pedestal formed from six irregular tapering sides. These terminate in a single moulded band, comprised of one horizontal rib, below a rounded loop. The suspension loop is complete, but now contains soil. Traces of iron corrosion product are present around the suspension loop, possibly the remnant of a suspension chain. No orientation marks are present around the base of the matrix.The die or seal face is sub circular in plan, with a diameter of 17.21 mm.The die / seal face is incomplete, with the edges being damaged. The die is well cut but probably executed by an individual with minimal experience with cutting seal matrixes, as the central device has been oriented upside compared to the start of the inscription. The central device is clear but quite stylised and the letters are broadly legible but only just. The central device of the seal depicts a fleur de lys or lis. The legend begins with a six pointed star. The lettering is hard to read and probably consists of: *PRIVE SV. This legend is in French and roughly translates as "I am Private". The matrix measures 19.48 mm in height, a base diameter of 17.21 mm. The top of the pedestal is 6.07 mm thick. It weighs 5.9 grams.The matrix is a mid to dark brown colour, with an even surface patina covering the majority of the surface. Several similar seal matrixes with this legend, although different central devices, have been recorded by the PAS database including SF-D01640, SOM-8e8248, LVPL-7D9657 and SUSS-E056B7. All are considered to be Medieval in dating (AD 1250 to AD 1400).
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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