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SEAL MATRIX
Unique ID: ESS-BFC746
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
Medieval cast copper alloy seal matrix, circa AD 1200-1400. The die is circular in plan with a cylindrical faceted handle extending from the reverse. The handle has a wide, triple banded collar before a trefoil terminal comprised of three openwork circles. The motif on the die is rather crudely engraved. There is a ?shield surmounted by a sword on its side. The two are connected by a strange squiggle. Either side of the shield are the letters 'R' and the smaller 'H'. When impressed into a seal the letters would come out back to front. Diameter of die 22.1mm, height 30.35mm, weight 18.1g. The object has a mid green patina and the edges are a brown colour. Most of it is covered in a light green corrosion product.
It looks like someone has engraved the die but forgotten to write the letters backwards.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Finder applying for an export licence
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Early
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1200
Date to: Circa AD 1400
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Height: 30.35 mm
Weight: 18.1 g
Diameter: 22.1 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Friday 1st January 2010 - Friday 30th April 2010
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: Eastern (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Essex (County)
District: Colchester (District)
To be known as: Birch CP
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From finder
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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