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Description: | Treasure Case 2013-T906: Specialist Report for HM CoronerSeal Matrix from the Ellesmere Area - ShropshireDate: Post Medieval - 16th or 17th CenturyDate of discovery: 2013Circumstances of discovery: Found whilst metal detectingDescription:A cast silver pedestal / pendant seal matrix; the die (face of the seal) is an oval shape in plan. The reverse face rises into an irregular tapering eight sided pedestal topped by a single circumferential moulded band above which is a globular knop pierced by a single traverse suspension hole (diameter: 2.6mm). One facet of the pedestal is marked with an irregular oval formed from two opposing crescentic (C shaped) punched marks. This mark enabled the owner to correctly align the matrix during use. The die face is shallow cut / engraved and the design is well spaced and of the highest grade. The design consists of a boars head erupting from a cushion of flames (although this maybe an elegant example of the boar's head being erased. The head is depicted with mouth open - tongue projecting - and tusks erect. The boar faces right on the die, across its neck is a 'Ducal' coronet. The detailing on the face and neck, with curled hair and staring eye is particularly well achieved. The boars head is enclosed within a partial engraved circlet that extends from the base of the cushion on both sides. Around the exterior edge of the seal is a further border of pellets that would produce a rope like pattern in the impression. There is no inscription. The are small areas of light scratching on the die caused by movement in the ploughzone. The rest of the seal has a polished partially patinated surface.Dimensions:The die measures 12.8mm width, 15.4mm length; the reverse rises to a height of 19.9mm. The seal matrix weighs 5.47 grams.Discussion and Dating:This type of seal matrix would have acted as a personal seal for the closing of letters / correspondence. The device would enable the identification of the sender. The form of the seal is well known from other discoveries and is securely dated to the later 16th or 17th centuries AD. Similar examples of this style of matrix can be seen from Loxwood, West Sussex (Smith 2011) and Tenterden, Kent ( Parol and Smith 2013). The heraldic device has been identified as that of the Vernon family (Fairnburn 1905), who own large swathes of land in Shropshire (and also Derbyshire). The exact branch of the family and specific owner cannot be identified.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:Fairnburn, J. 1905: Fairnburn's book of crests of the families of Great Britian and Ireland. 2 Volumes. London.Parol, J. and Smith, S. 2013 A post medieval silver seal from Tenterden, Kent http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/570273Smith, S. 2011: A post medieval silver seal from Loxwood, West Sussex http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/460861AuthorsPeter Reavill - Finds Liaison Officer - Portable Antiquities SchemeJohn Cherry - British MuseumAugust 2014
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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