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Description: | Medieval seal matrix, (c.1200 - c.1400): The lead or lead alloy seal matrix is incomplete with heavily abraded edges. The abrasion resulted in the legend being missing. The abrasion is not recent. The edges also suggest the matrix is composed of two plates joined together, there is a crack which runs around the edge of the matrix. The matrix was originally a pointed oval, which is now a sub-oval. The matrix has a flat back which has a rectangular ridge running the length of the matrix. The device on the die of the matrix is a flower formed of 10 drop shaped, radiating petals. The legend, of which there are only traces is illegible. The surface of the matrix is a mid greu colour which is laminating slightly. The matrix measures 30.83mm long, 18.98mm wide 4.69mm thick and weighs 9.84g.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).Harvey, P.D.A. and McGuinness, A. 1996 A Guide to British Medieval Seals London: British Library and Public Record Office
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/ | Go to resource |
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