Rights Holder: Durham County Council
CC License:
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Unique ID: DUR-97B9B1
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
Cast copper alloy Medieval vessica shaped seal matrix.
The front of the seal has a central motif with the inscription around the edge. It is mostly complete but the edges are broken and so most of the inscription is missing, the only section remaining reads 'BENED'[ICT..]. The motif is religious in nature, showing a central figure under an arch (probably a saint), meant to represent being inside a church. Underneath is a small figure kneeling and praying to the central figure. The central figure is holding things in both hands but it is not clear exactly what, possibly an orb and censer.
The reverse is plain but has a central raised ridge which runs from top to bottom. Near the top of this there is a rectangular loop which has a circular hole.
The matrix is a dark brown colour with some lighter patches due to corrosion.
John Cherry has seen an image of this seal and comments that it is probably a personal or official seal of a religious person, 14th century in date.
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1300
Date to: Circa AD 1400
Quantity: 1
Length: 44.86 mm
Width: 30.45 mm
Thickness: 3.92 mm
Weight: 25.4 g
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Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
4 Figure: NZ6814
Four figure Latitude: 54.516746
Four figure longitude: -0.951088
1:25K map: NZ6814
1:10K map: NZ61SE
Grid reference source: Centred on village (which isn't a parish)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
No references cited so far.