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SEAL MATRIX
Unique ID: SWYOR-A48F92
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
Treasure Case: 2010 T144
British Museum report:
"Date: probably 17th Century
Description:
An unusual gold Post Medieval seal matrix. The face is oval and the design is on a heart pierced by an arrow, with four drops of blood beneath. The design in inside a beaded border. The matrix has two tubes on the reverse which hold an axis bar and form a hinge with a flat tab which terminates in a single tube. The tab is rectangular with the tube projecting at one end, and a semi-circular lug opposite containing a circular hole. One face of the tab is inscribed "thy vertu merits more" in lowercase letters in a handwritten font. There is no difference between the v and the u. The matrix clearly seems to be an amatory gift, similar to posy rings of the period, but the inscription does not appear on any of the rings in the British Museum or on the PAS database. Indeed, it has not been possible to find an object quite like this on the database or by searching the British Museum Catalogue online. The style of the lettering suggests a 17th century date, but other seal matrices with a "bleeding heart" design have been attributed to either the 17th century the early 18th century.
Discussion:
In terms of age and as the object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996. Compare to Treasure Case 2008 T289 (BUC-0A3C95) and 2009 T27 (SUSS-8A6B12) for example.
Amy Downes
Finds Liaison Officer, South and West Yorkshire
17/6/10"
Find of note status
This is a find of note and has been designated: County / local importance
Inscription:
thy vertu merits more
Subsequent actions
Current location of find: Leeds Museum Service
Subsequent action after recording: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure
Treasure details
Treasure case tracking number: 2010T144
Chronology
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1600
Date to: Circa AD 1700
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 14.74 mm
Width: 11.7 mm
Thickness: 2.4 mm
Weight: 2.07 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Wednesday 24th February 2010
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Other reference numbers
Other reference: PAS form number 1075
Treasure case number: 2010T144
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: Yorkshire and the Humber (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Leeds (Metropolitan District)
District: Leeds (Metropolitan District)
To be known as: Allerton Bywater
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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