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SEAL MATRIX
Unique ID: BH-F28F0B
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A lead-alloy seal personal seal matrix, dating from the Medieval period.
The discoidal matrix has a central device comprised of a pair of fleurs-de-lis which project vertically above and below a central pellet, respectively. An engraved line border separates the device from the legend, which begins at 12 o'clock and reads: +S'ROGERI DOBELDAY.: ('Seal of Rogeri Dobelday/Roger Doubleday'). A perforated lug handle (slightly damaged) is located at the top of the reverse, its height gradually declining towards the base. Two moulded lines flank this handle, each curving towards an inward swirl at either end.
Height: 26.6mm; width: 26.3mm; depth (including handle): 9.6mm; weight: 15.95g.
Circular seal matrices of this form are thought to date from the late 12th to 13th centuries. The surname Dobelday (and variants) is well attested from the period in question, with, for example, a Robert Dubleday listed in the assize rolls of Yorkshire, dated 1219 (source: http://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/Doubleday, accessed 23rd May 2014).
Class:
personal
Sub class: man
Inscription:
+S'ROGERI DOBELDAY.:
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1175
Date to: Circa AD 1300
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 26.6 mm
Width: 26.3 mm
Thickness: 9.6 mm
Weight: 15.95 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 1st December 2013
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: Ver 14/24 - 17
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: Eastern (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Hertfordshire (County)
District: North Hertfordshire (District)
To be known as: Kelshall
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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