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SEAL MATRIX
Unique ID: YORYM-151967
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A complete cast lead seal matrix of medieval date. The seal is a pointed oval or vessica shape with a plain reverse and stamped obverse. The central design on the obverse is an elongated fleur-de-lis with a worn circumferential legend. All that can be determined of the legend is the beginning "SIG" meaning "Seal of..."
The metal is a mid whitish-brown colour and is worn. The seal is 36.3mm long, 26.6mm wide, 3.2mm thick and weighs 18.2g.
Sealing was used for authenticating documents for around 300 years in medieval Britain. Pointed oval shaped seals such as this were popular during the 13th century when they were particularly preferred by women (Harvey and McGuinness, 1996: 79-88).
Class:
personal
Inscription:
SIG[.....]
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1200
Date to: Circa AD 1300
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 36.3 mm
Width: 26.9 mm
Thickness: 3.2 mm
Weight: 18.2 g
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Lead
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: Yorkshire and the Humber (European Region)County or Unitary authority: East Riding of Yorkshire (Unitary Authority)
District: East Riding of Yorkshire (Unitary Authority)
To be known as: North Cave
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
| Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey, P.D.A. and McGuinness, A. | 1996 | A Guide to British Medieval Seals | London | British Library and Public Record Office | 79-88 |
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Timeline of associated dates
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