Rights Holder: The Portable Antiquities Scheme
CC License:
Our images can be used under a CC BY attribution licence (unless stated otherwise).
Unique ID: DEV-7B0B2E
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
An incomplete copper alloy seal matrix of medieval date, c. AD 1400-1500.
It is a conical seal matrix, with a hexagonal die. The terminal is missing, the break is just above the rectangular collar of three ridges. The break along the line of the apertures suggests a possible trefoil terminal, but this is speculative. There is a possible orientation mark, and the ridges of the conical design align with the design on the die. The design features a male and female bust facing one another. Both are dressed in 15th century fashions in terms of hair and head dress styling. Between them is a flowering plant, or possibly an oak tree with an acorn, which appears to grow from a long trunk. At the base of the trunk is curled a sleeping lion, lion dormant.
The inscription reads " SV ET IO DVLCE EST," which may be translated as "He and I are sweet," suggesting that the seal may have belonged to a woman. The combination of the sentimental legend with the facing couple may suggest that the seal marked a betrothal or marriage. CAM-83011F has a similar design, and cites a number of earlier examples, but this design is significantly more sophisticated in its execution and use of Latin, so a later date is appropriate.
Measurements: 19.1mm length, 13.2mm width, 11mm thickness, weight 4.42g.
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1400
Date to: Circa AD 1500
Quantity: 1
Length: 19.1 mm
Width: 13.2 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight: 4.42 g
Date(s) of discovery: Wednesday 2nd October 2019 - Tuesday 7th January 2020
This information is restricted for your access level.
Other reference: SCC Receipt 018787
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
4 Figure: SX9893
Four figure Latitude: 50.72763625
Four figure longitude: -3.44652933
1:25K map: SX9893
1:10K map: SX93NE
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
No references cited so far.