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Description: | Medieval (13th to 14th century) copper alloy seal matrix: The matrix is a variant of a flat-backed type which has a transverse ridge on the reverse, which tapers in profile. At the widest terminal of the ridge, there is a perforation in the upper corner which has possibly been slightly squashed. In plan the matrix is a pointed oval. The underside of the matrix has a legend and central device. The legend, reads + S' RICARDI LE CROISER : * The device is a martlet. The surface of the matrix has a dark green patina which is slightly abraded at the edges. The matrix measures 30.81mm long, 18.5mm wide and 5.7mm thick. It weighs 6.92g.The legend translates as 'The Seal of Richard Le Croiser'. On the PAS database there is another seal of Matilda Le Croiser, which was from Bedfordshire (SUR-DAFA21), where the Croyser family held land. According to Reaney and Wilson (under the entry for Crosier), the surname 'le Croyser' could mean the bearer of a cross in a monastery, or the bearer of a bishop's staff, or a seller of crosses, or a dweller by a cross.Harvey and McGuinness (1996, 79) suggest that small pointed oval shaped seal matrices become common in the 13th were mainly in use by women, only a tenth of pointed oval seals were used by men. The use of pointed oval seals did continue into the 14th century (ibid, 91).
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/ | Go to resource |
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