SEAL MATRIX

Copper alloy pointed oval seal matrix with loop at back. Medieval, c.1250-1350. In the centre is a "pard" (a mythical big cat, probably based on a female lion) running to the right (as seen in impression) facing outwards, and the inscription reads TECTATECE / LECTALE[CE] - presumably "Read this, hide this". There is a star at one end of the inscription in the point of the oval, but the other point is now missing. The loop appears to be worn on the upper surface as the metal is thinner and sloping towards the centre of the object. The edges of the metal appear to have chipped away in places. Length 30.36mm, width 19.56mm, thickness 2.98mm, thickness at loop 6.64mm, internal diameter of loop c.3mm, weight 5.94g.

This description has been further embellished by a subsequent duplicate record:
A cast copper alloy vesica-shaped (pointed oval) seal matrix, back unseen but suspension loop intact on reverse. Device of a pard (a mythical beast, essentially a lioness). A fine line divides the device area from the lettering, and a similar line marks the outer edge of the matrix. Measurements: 19 mm x 30 mm.
The description of the pard found in the 13th century was a little variable; although often described as "spotted", a feature that was utilized when clerics described it as symbolic of man spotted with sin, it was often drawn with a plain coat, as on this matrix. Legend: LECTAT comes from the Latin lego (to read, peruse) and the second TECTAT from tego (to keep secret, cover). Another version of the legend sometimes found is LEGE TEGE.

*LECTAT EGE TECTAT EGE (Latin: "Read this, hide this" i.e., "Private")