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Description: | Treasure Case 2013-T499: Specialist Report for HM CoronerSeal Matrix from the Rudge Area - ShropshireDate: Post Medieval - 17th CenturyDate of discovery: 2011Circumstances of discovery: Found whilst metal detectingDescription:A pedestal / pendant seal matrix formed in two pieces and soldered together. The die (face of the seal) is an irregular octagonal shape in plan and rectangular in cross section. Applied to the reverse face pedestal is a small handle which rises to a cast perforated suspension loop. The body of the handle tapers and then expands to form the handle - which is broken across its upper edge. From the centre of the handle a small conical spike extends. The junction between the die and handle is relatively crude and poorly achieved. The handle has also been placed off-centre / askew. There are no marks on the pedestal or outer rim to indicate the orientation of the die when used. The die face is shallow cut / engraved. The design is relatively well spaced but slightly uneven. The design consists of a central motif contained within an octagonal incised border of a slight line and border of pellets that follow the edge of the die. The pellets produce a rope like pattern in the impression. There is no inscription. The central design comprises a pair of clasped hands with a heart positioned above and flowers below. The flowers comprise a large flower with five separate flowers evenly positioned around a central circle with small incised dots flanking it; beneath this are three cinquefoils. Flanking the clasped hands are circular pairs of roundels two above and two below - it is possible that these represent dress cuffs. There is little - or no wear present on the matrix and it has a polished surface.Dimensions: The die measures 14.2mm width 15.9mm length; the reverse rises to a height of 12.8mm. The seal matrix weighs 3.90 grams.Discussion and Dating: This type of seal matrix would have acted as a personal seal for the closing of letters / correspondence. Similar silver seal matrices can be seen from Tendring, Essex (Parol 2012) and Glanvilles Wooton, Dorset (Hayward Trevarthen 2011). The shape and style of the matrix echoes that seen on cufflinks of the period for example from Grimston, Leicestershire (Scott 2012) and High Ongar, Essex (McLean 2010). A very good parallel for this seal matrix (in style, composition and form) can be seen in a matrix from Mistley, Essex (Parol 2013). All these examples date from the 17th century, the style of this example is most likely to be late 17th Century (1650 - 1710).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:Hayward Trevarthen, C (2011) DOR-455AD3 A POST MEDIEVAL SEAL MATRIX Webpage available at: http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/464491 [Accessed: 6 Aug 2013 16:02:10]McLean, L (2010) ESS-FB43A7 A POST MEDIEVAL CUFF LINK Webpage available at: http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/290201Parol J. (2012) ESS-A26E36 A POST MEDIEVAL SEAL MATRIX Webpage available at: http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/493230Parol J. (2013) ESS-EB0A02 A POST MEDIEVAL SEAL MATRIX Webpage available at: http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/568786Scott, W (2012) LEIC-263222 A POST MEDIEVAL CUFF LINK Webpage available at: http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/529808AuthorsPeter Reavill Finds Liaison Officer, Portable Antiquities SchemeJohn Cherry, British MuseumAugust 2013
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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