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Description: | A complete and well preserved circular cast and engraved copper alloy seal matrix of medieval date (1200-1400). The seal matrix is circular in plan and sub-rectangular in cross section. On the reverse face of the seal is a vertical ridge which is expanded on the upper edge. This expansion is D shaped and pierced to form a suspension loop (diameter: 2.7mm). Apart from this rib the reverse of the matrix is plain and undecorated. The design on the front face of the matrix consists of a central motif with an inscription reading anti-clockwise (clockwise in the impression) around the edge. The central design is very well cut and well preserved. It comprises a Stags head (caboshed) with a cross potent displayed between the antlers. The stag is contained within an incised border of pellets. The inscription reads + TIMTE DEVM: (which can be translated as - Fear God). The letters are well cut and evenly spaced suggesting care and skill, this can also be seen in the cutting of the central design which is well proportioned and elegant. The seal is a mid grey green colour with a well formed but slightly scratch / abraded patina that covers some surfaces. The inscription is fairly typical of stock type personal seals of the 14th century and the pairing with the Stag is also relatively common. The stag with cross is linked with the visions of St Hubert / St Eustace. Similar seal matrices from Eastwick, Harts (BH-143A96) and North Petherton, Somerset (SOM-EB45F4) have been recorded with the PAS.Irene Szymanski - in some of her PAS records notes:The seals device refers to the legend of St Hubert or St Eustachius (Eustace). Very little is known of the life of Eustachius; according to his 7th c. legend, he was a pagan Roman general of the Hadrianic period (117 A.D.-138 A.D.). One day, he saw a stag coming towards him with a cross between its antlers; a voice told him simultaneously that he would suffer for Christ's sake. He and his family converted to Christianity, and were later martyred by being baked in a brass bull. Hubert's life is better documented. Born circa 656, he was the eldest son of the Duke of Aquitaine of the day. A great huntsman, with little taste for religion, he was out hunting one Good Friday when the stag he was pursuing turned to face him, and told him to mend his ways; at the same moment, he saw a cross between the beast's antlers. Under the stag's direction, he sought out Lambert, bishop of Maastricht, who accepted him as a pupil. Shortly afterwards. Hubert's wife died, and he renounced his rank, distributed his wealth in alms and became a priest in Lambert's diocese. In time, he became bishop of Liège, dying circa 727. He was widely venerated in the mediaeval period as the patron saint of hunters; his intercession was also thought to cure rabies. Legend is commonly impersonal, e.g., "prive sv/sui", a pious invocation ("timete Deum", IHS-AF6692) or a lover's declaration ("lel sy", IHS-AF57E6). The occasional personal name is also encountered (IHS-AF7042). Relatively little information can be gleaned with reference to the original owners; there is certainly no guarantee that they was involved in hunting in a professional capacity. A similar matrix was used by a teller of the Exchequer in 1329 (see Ellis ref.).The seal matrix measures 18.5mm in length, 17.7mm width, is 6.6mm (maximum across die and loop) thick and 2.4mm thick across the body of the die. The seal matrix weighs 3.74 grams. | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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