SEAL MATRIX 274310

Description: A slightly corroded cast copper-alloy medieval seal matrix of conical form (c. 14th century AD). The handle is hexagonally faceted with longitudinal incised lines down each face. Continuous with the handle is a very crude trefoilate suspension loop with a central circular perforation (int. dia.: c. 3.5mm). The circular die appears to features the device of a large rotary key (as with SF-95A326 on this database) engraved in intaglio within a circular border. The key is of contemporary design with a bit formed of three chevron shaped elements and a large oval bow with the stem seemingly running through it. The field to one side of the key is covered with fine cross-hatching. A personal legend outside the border appears to read '* S' ...R[E?]In...' ('* Seal of ?'). The artefact has a dark grey metal but is covered in green and brown corrosion product. The die has suffered some circumferential losses. The lettering seems consistent with a date in the first half of the 14th century AD.

Date: 1300 - 1350

Object type: SEAL MATRIX

Last import: August 15, 2017