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Description: | Medieval seal matrix, (c.1200 - c.1400): The lead or lead alloy seal matrix is almost complete with a fragment of the lug missing The matrix is a pointed oval which is convex on the matrix face and concave on the upper face. The matrix has a flat back which has a rectangular ridge running the length of the matrix and one terminal having an incomplete lug. The position of the lug also marks the start of the legend on the reverse. The device on the die of the matrix is a cross with a lentoid protruding from each corner. The cross appears to be made of a plait or respresenting long ears of corn. The legend reads S' WILL DE CANTMVP. The surface of the matrix is a light brown patina which is laminating slightly. The matrix measures 38.41mm long, 26.65mm wide 5.88mm thick and weighs 15.94g.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). This example dates to the 13th to 14th century. The legend says 'Seal of Will of Cantmup'. The place name is not certain, but is possilby a misspelling of Cantlop, Shropshire. 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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