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SEAL MATRIX
Unique ID: SWYOR-2F5652
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
A silver seal matrix from a swivelling "fob-seal", dating from the 17th or 18th century. This small personal seal has an oval swivel bezel but the handle is missing.The seal matrix belonged to a "fob-seal" and has a die on either face . On each long edge is a small circular projecting pin which articulated with apertures in the frame allowing the matrix to swivel so that both faces could be used. One face of the die is incised with a crowned heart pierced by crossed arrows with drops of blood between them. The other face shows a standing bird (a dove?) facing right (described from the die) with a branch of foliage above. There is a recessed beaded border on both faces.
The crowned pierced heart motif can be compared to Treasure cases 2007 T525 (LEIC-964413), 2006 T291 (KENT-7C78F6) and 2007 T549 (LEIC-CE9C04) which have been assigned 17th or 18th century dates. Another seal matrix with a bleeding heart design is Treasure Case 2010 T144 (SWYOR-A48F92) which is an unusual gold example with an inscription. Another similar double faced die is IOW-6C4735 which is a copper alloy example also attributed to the 18th century. A 17th or 18th century date is therefore suggested for this item. As it is likely to date from before 1711, and it is made of silver, this item meets the criteria of the 1996 Treasure Act.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Treasure details
Treasure case tracking number: 2011T423
Chronology
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1600
Date to: Circa AD 1800
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 10.64 mm
Width: 11.36 mm
Thickness: 2.43 mm
Weight: 1.7 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Friday 1st April 2011 - Wednesday 1st June 2011
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: PAS form number 1532
Treasure case number: 2011T423
Materials and construction
Primary material: Silver
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
Spatial metadata
Region: Yorkshire and the Humber (European Region)County or Unitary authority: York (Unitary Authority)
District: York (Unitary Authority)
To be known as: Askham Bryan
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: Generated from computer mapping software
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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