Rights Holder: Winchester Museums Service
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Unique ID: HAMP-A33781
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published
A copper alloy Islamic seal matrix with Arabic inscription, possibly dating to AD 1872-3. The seal matrix consists of an oval die, a rectangular stem (with a rectangular cross-section and faceted corners) and a flat leaf-shaped terminal, also rectangular in section with curving sides and a pointed apex. This terminal has three large perforations (diameter c.4mm) set out in a trefoil shape.
The seal matrix is 26.4mm tall, with the stem measuring c.9mm and the terminal c.15mm. The stem is 4mm wide and 4.3mm thick. The terminal is 11.4mm wide and 2.1mm thick. The die has a maximum diameter of 12.6mm and a minimum of 11.9mm. The seal matrix weighs 3.98g.
The Arabic inscription on the die transliterates as 'Abbas' which is an Arabic or Persian personal name. Below this are the Arabic numerals for '8' and '9'. Judging by the calligraphy, Vesta Sarkhosh Curtis, Curator of Middle Eastern Coins at the British Museum suggests the numbers could represent the Hijri year 1289 which corresponds to AD 1872-3.
This has been noted as an interesting find by the recorder.
Inscription:
عباس/٨٩
Subsequent action after recording: Acquired by a museum - not a Treasure case
Broad period: MODERN
Period from: MODERN
Period to: MODERN
Date from: Circa AD 1872
Date to: Circa AD 1873
Quantity: 1
Width: 11.9 mm
Weight: 3.98 g
Diameter: 12.6 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 568.475
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.