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SEAL MATRIX

Unique ID: NCL-46EE85

Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow status: Published

A cast copper-alloy seal matrix of the Medieval period, c. 1200-1450. The matrix is a flat disc missing any perforation or suspension loop. The device is clearly visible, and consists of a field quartered by straight branches or palm leaves in an X-shape. The upper quarter bears a cart wheel, the right quarter a fleur-de-lis; the lower quarter an anchor, and the left quarter a cresent (moon). The inscription is set between grooved borders, and reads: *S' RICARDI GVBRATOR.

The elements on the device are suggestive of a seal of office rather than a personal or familial seal, and GVBRATOR may be a corrupt or vulgar Latin for 'helmsman/pilot/steersman/director/governor' [gubernator].

The reverse is undecorated.

Class: personal
Sub class: man
Inscription: S' RICARDI GVBRATOR

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder

Chronology

Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Early
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Late
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1200
Date to: Circa AD 1450

Dimensions and weight

Quantity: 1
Thickness: 2.41 mm
Weight: 8.7 g
Diameter: 27.81 mm

Discovery dates

Date(s) of discovery: Saturday 8th January 2000 - Monday 1st January 2007

Personal details

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Materials and construction

Primary material: Copper alloy
Completeness: Incomplete

Spatial metadata

Region: North East (European Region)
County or Unitary authority: Northumberland (Unitary Authority)
District: Northumberland (Unitary Authority)
Parish or ward: Berwick-upon-Tweed (Civil Parish)

Spatial coordinates

4 Figure: NT9953
Four figure Latitude: 55.770337
Four figure longitude: -2.017507
1:25K map: NT9953
1:10K map: NT95SE
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.

Discovery metadata

Method of discovery: Metal detector
General landuse: Cultivated land

References cited

No references cited so far.

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Timeline of associated dates

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Audit data

Recording Institution: NCL
Created: 13 years ago
Updated: 4 years ago

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