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SEAL MATRIX
Unique ID: NMGW-66BDB7
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
Medieval copper alloy seal matrix, shield-shaped and with a length of 21.5mm, a width of 16.8mm, a thickness of 1.9mm and a weight of 2.4g. The rear of the die is near-flat with a low and subtle vertical rib running down the centre. There is the suggestion of an adhesion or solder on the surface of the rear. The front of the die has a beaded border, within which is an encircling legend, now difficult to read. The letters are apparently cast rather than punched.
A suggested interpretation may be suggested: *S' ELVEI CLERICI (Seal of Elvei, Cleric or Elvei Clerk). The V may possibly be a Y, but neither the names Elvei nor Elyei seem to have been used in the medieval period.
The central device is within a second beaded border and is also difficult to interpret but may depict the head of a cleric at the base, possibly with an outstretched hand from the top right. The surface is corroded and worn with a dark-brown patina and remnant traces of green patina.
The seal is unusual in being so thin and without a lug or handle. It was presumably attached to a backing with a handle.
Inscription:
*S' ELVEI CLERICI
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1250
Date to: Circa AD 1350
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 21.5 mm
Width: 16.8 mm
Thickness: 1.9 mm
Weight: 2.4 g
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: NMWPA 2014.16
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: South West (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Gloucestershire (County)
District: Forest of Dean (District)
Parish or ward: Westbury-on-Severn (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SO7311
Four figure Latitude: 51.79699036
Four figure longitude: -2.39291976
1:25K map: SO7311
1:10K map: SO71SW
Grid reference source: From finder
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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