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Description: | A complete copper alloy medieval seal matrix, dating to the period c.AD 1300-1400. The die of the seal matrix is in the shape of a heater shield, but with a curved rather than pointed base. The die narrows and extends upwards to form the stem, which broadly mirrors the shape of the die in cross section. The stem expands out to a lip before terminating in a suspension loop. The die depicts a hare on a hound with a hunting hawk behind. The hound is depicted as resembling a horse or a donkey with large ears and a mane. The inscription above the picture reads 'IOHES' (John). The seal matrix has a green patina on the surface and is quite worn, particularly at the edges.Harvey and McGuinness (1996, p.89) state that the hunting satire was a popular theme on personal seals, and that the appearance of shield shaped seals perhaps reflected the spread of shields of arms beyond the rank of knights.Cf SWYOR-5F2B89 on the database and Harvey and McGuinness (1996) p.89, no.81 which is dated to after 1300.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/ | Go to resource |
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