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Description: | An incomplete copper alloy Seal Matrix of Medieval date (AD 1300-1400). The seal matrix has an ovate die, with a tapering handle. The handle has a hexagonal cross section, and terminates with an incomplete sub-trefoil suspension loop, which has a collar beneath. There are no marks on either of the six sides to aid orientation during use. The die carries a central motif comprising a vertical bar which is bisected by two horizontal bars, crossing transversely, at the top, forming a cross and a base for the motif. There are initials to either side of the motif, the initials are shallow and the right hand side is illegible, the left hand side is an L.This is a non-heraldic personal seal whose symbol is a merchant's mark. The use of merchants' marks started in the late 13th century (Harvey and McGuinness 1996: 92) and this example probably dates to the late 13th to 14th centuries.Similar examples can be seen on the Portable Antiquities Database: DUR-255E28 and WAW-F7CA94.Height: 16.51mm, Width (of base): 13.19mm, Length (of base): 15.52mm, Thickness (of shaft): 2.94mm, Weight: 3.2g.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/ | Go to resource |
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