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SEAL BOX
Unique ID: LANCUM-EF7205
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A cast cu-alloy seal box lid dating from the early Roman period, i.e. circa AD43-200. The outer edges of the seal box led are very corroded, but it was originally a diamond shape, with a lattice pattern across the top. The small diamond shaped depressions in the lattice pattern would have been filled with enamel, a small amount of cream coloured enamel is still apparent in three of these depressions. Originally the enamel may have been of a different colour, however, and the cream colour showing its advanced state of erosion.
These are small two piece boxes with hinged lids which were used as a container for wax to protect the contents of the writing tablet from prying eyes. A cord was wrapped around the document and through holes in the side of the box. The knot was contained in the inside of the bottom section of the box - Wax was then poured into the box and impressed with a seal, perhaps from a finger-ring. The lid was closed and the seal was then protected. Seal boxes were generally made of bronze and came in many different shapes, often with elaborate enamelled decoration.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: ROMAN
Subperiod from: Early
Period from: ROMAN
Subperiod to: Early
Period to: ROMAN
Date from: Circa AD 43
Date to: Circa AD 200
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 21 mm
Width: 15 mm
Thickness: 1 mm
Weight: 1.58 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Friday 14th July 2000 - Friday 23rd July 2010
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Secondary material: Enamel
Manufacture method: Cast
Decoration style: Geometric
Completeness: Incomplete
Surface Treatment: Inlaid with enamel
Spatial metadata
Region: North West (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Cumbria (County)
District: Allerdale (District)
Parish or ward: Maryport (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: NY0336
Four figure Latitude: 54.709629
Four figure longitude: -3.507051
1:25K map: NY0336
1:10K map: NY03NW
Grid reference source: Centred on parish
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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