Rights Holder: Winchester Museums Service
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Unique ID: HAMP-A252D1
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published
A copper alloy Medieval seal matrix dating to the 14th Century. The seal matrix is of conical form with a hexagonally faceted handle. Above this is a moulded collar with a triple ridge, ending in a pierced quatrefoil terminal. The circular die has an inner beaded border and a beaded inner circle, within which is a pair of crossed hands, possibly bound at the wrists with fingertips facing downwards and detail for the sleeves. Above the hands is a crude fleur-de-lis. Between the two borders is an impersonal inscription starting with an initial star and reading 'LEL AMI AVE' ('You have a loyal friend'). The crossed hands do not line up with the inscription: the initial star is situated directly above the sleeve of the right (as seen in the seal impression) sleeve.
The seal matrix is 23.85mm tall and the quatrefoil terminal is 8.5mm wide and 3.4mm thick. The diameter of the die is 19.2mm. The object weighs 8.72g.
Several similar seal matrices have been recorded on the database, such as HAMP-639A56, NMGW-6A9DB7 and DENO-BA3CB6. These three however bear the inscription 'LEL AMI AVET'.
Notes:
The legend and central device would indicate a seal of love, loyalty or friendship.
Inscription:
* LEL AMI AVET
Subsequent action after recording: Acquired by a museum - not a Treasure case
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1300
Date to: Circa AD 1400
Quantity: 1
Height: 23.85 mm
Weight: 8.72 g
Diameter: 19.2 mm
Date(s) of discovery: Thursday 1st January 1970 - Friday 31st December 1999
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Other reference: Winchester Collections AY 568
Museum accession number: WINCM: AY 568.248
4 Figure: SU5828
Four figure Latitude: 51.04842944
Four figure longitude: -1.17396369
1:25K map: SU5828
1:10K map: SU52NE
Grid reference source: Centred on field
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
No references cited so far.