Rights Holder: National Museums Liverpool
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Unique ID: LVPL-B42673
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
Treasure case: 2015 T571
An incomplete silver seal matrix of Post-Medieval date. The seal face is hexagonal and carries a design of crown above a heart pierced by two arrows in a saltire. Either side of the heart (when viewed facing the object) are the letters HI (IH when impressed). Surrounding the design is a pellet border. Rising up from the face of the seal matrix is a hexagonal faceted handle with six facets. The handle is incomplete with an irregular break which does not appear to be ancient. Below the break is a triple ribbed collar. One edge of the face of the seal matrix (to the right of the heart when viewed facing) is incomplete due to a recent break, possibly due to plough damage.
Dimensions:
Height: 11.36mm
Length of face:16.89mm
Width of face: 14.41mm
Weight:4.0g
Discussion:
The seal design is very similar to those seen on cufflinks of the 17th century. A similar example which has been declared Treasure is 2011 T372, (DOR-770917) and 2013-T555, (KENT-DA6D85). The design of a pierced heart, often surrounded by blood pellets and with a crown or eye above, is popular on 17th century pedestal seal matrices such as Treasure cases 2009 T27, 2008 T289, 2008 T411 and 2004 T389 (Treasure annular report 2004, p. 143 no.326). A similar example of a silver hexagonal seal matrix is 2011-T335, (YORYM-B7A046).
Consequently, in terms of age and as the object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.
Vanessa Oakden, Finds Liaison Officer (Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside)
Current location of find: Grosvenor Museum
Subsequent action after recording: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure
Treasure case tracking number: 2015T571
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1600
Date to: Circa AD 1720
Quantity: 1
Length: 16.89 mm
Height: 11.36 mm
Width: 14.41 mm
Weight: 4 g
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 1st March 2015 - Sunday 1st March 2015
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Treasure case number: 2015T571
Primary material: Silver
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
No references cited so far.