SEAL MATRIX
Unique ID: SOM-865FB7
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow status: Awaiting validation 
An oval (or vessica) lead Medieval personal seal matrix. The impression features a central fleur de lis within a slightly raised border surrounded by the inscription +S'Alisi Devire, short for Sigillum Alisi Devire, or 'Seal of Alice Devire' perhaps, with a further raised, oval border around the outside of this. Harvey and McGuiness (1996, p.79) suggest that this type of oval seal became popular in the early 13th century, particularly with women. The fleur de lis was also a particularly common design on this type of seal (ibid. p.80). There was a change in styles of seals at the end of the 13th century, with the owner's name often being omitted in favour of a phrase or motto (ibid. p.88), so this matrix is likely to predate this. The reverse is undecorated with a small semi-circular suspension loop in the centre to one end.
Length: 37.59mm, Width: 21.51mm, Thickness: 8.68, Weight: 19.20g
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Date from: AD 1200
Date to: AD 1300
Dimensions and weight
Length: 37.59 mm
Width: 21.51 mm
Thickness: 8.68 mm
Weight: 19.2 g
Quantity: 1
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Monday 5th October 2009
Personal details
Found by: This information is restricted for your login.
Recorded by: Ms Anna
Booth
- [
view all attributed records]
Identified by: Ms Anna
Booth - [view all attributed records]
Other reference numbers
Other reference: Entry 020505
Materials and construction
Primary material: Lead [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Manufacture method: Cast [scope notes | view all attributed records]
QR barcode
The barcode on the right is a unique identifier for this record. If your phone has scanning software installed, then this can be used for sharing or you can print it off and attach it to the object.
Spatial metadata
Region: South West
County: Wiltshire
District: Kennet
To be known as: Urchfont
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
Discovery metadata
Method of discovery: Metal detector [scope notes]
General landuse: Cultivated land[scope notes]
Specific landuse: Character undetermined[scope notes]
References cited
- Harvey, P D A and McGuinness, A, 1996. A Guide to British Medieval Seals London : The British Library and Public Record Office, pp79-88
Similar objects
Find number: DENO-80A3D3
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broadperiod: MEDIEVAL
Incomplete Medieval cast lead alloy seal matrix. The matrix is a pointed oval (or vessica) shape with a raised fleur-de-lis design and susp…
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Find number: DENO-80DFC1
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broadperiod: MEDIEVAL
Complete Medieval cast copper alloy seal matrix. The matrix is a pointed oval (or vessica) shape with a suspension loop on the reverse. …
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Find number: SOM-8B0EC3
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broadperiod: MEDIEVAL
Medieval flat pointed oval (vessica-shaped) cast lead-alloy seal matrix. The face has various indents but no clear design and may have been u…
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Be the first to comment
Comment on this artefact's record
Data entered via this form is checked against the akismet service to recognise spam.
Audit data
Created:
Wednesday 28th October 2009
Updated: Thursday 24th February 2011
