SEAL MATRIX

A complete cast copper-alloy medieval seal matrix of conical form which has survived well (c. 14th century AD). The handle is hexagonally faceted. The facets are worn; those below the larger faces of the suspension loop are larger. Continuous with the handle (no collar) is a trefoil suspension loop with a central circular perforation (int. dia.: c. 3.85mm). The circular die features the crowned Virgin and Child engraved. The device is divided from the legend by double grooved arcs on either side; they are broken by the crowned head and legs of the Virgin which travel as far as the incised border around the outside of the legend.

Viewing the seal itself, Mary is standing right, crowned head facing, holding Christ in her left arm and a cross-like lily in her right hand. A personal legend reads PIERRE . RA / ChInDE . P. (Peter Rachinde P). The artefact has an even dark grey-green patina. The lettering seems consistent with a date in the first half of the 14th century AD.

Chris Whittick has kindly commented on this seal. He notes that 'Rachine' exists as a name, but there are no records of it with a D included. mThe 'P' may refer to a job title, perhaps ecclesiastical given the device: priest (presbyter in Latin or prêtre in French), or pastor (parochus in Latin or pasteur in French). French versions are offered as the use of 'Pierre' rather than 'Piers' suggests a foreign origin for the owner of this object.The lack of an S (for sigillum, seal) might suggest a foreign provenance (Chris Whittick pers. comm. 22 October 2008).