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SEAL MATRIX

Unique ID: IOW-18D683

Object type certainty: Possibly
Workflow status: Awaiting validation

A complete Medieval lead-alloy pointed-oval (vesica-shaped) personal seal matrix probably dating to the 13th century (1200-1300).

The die is engraved with a central motif and has a surrounding partially illegible inscription. At the rear it has an integral suspension lug with a central raised rib along the longitudinal axis. The lug has only been superficially pierced.

The central motif is a fleurs-de-lis. Outside this is an inscription in Lombardic lettering between plain lined borders. However, the outer line is almost lost due to corrosion.

Viewing an impression, the inscription has a cross pattée initial mark and reads from right to left:

+[ ]ROBE[ ]LA

At the rear, the rib tapers from the top towards the bottom.

This seal matrix has a buff patina with small areas of corrosion.

Height: 37.3mm; width: 21.9mm; thickness of plate: 3.7mm; thickness including lug: 8.5mm. Weight: 19.23g.

Class: Personal
Sub class: Pointed-oval
Inscription: +[ ]ROBE[ ]LA

Subsequent actions

Current location of find: Finder
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder

Chronology

Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Exactly AD 1200
Date to: Exactly AD 1200

Dimensions and weight

Quantity: 1
Height: 37.3 mm
Width: 21.9 mm
Thickness: 8.5 mm
Weight: 19.23 g

Discovery dates

Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 20th September 2015 - Sunday 20th September 2015

Personal details

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Other reference numbers

Other reference: IOW2015-7-147

Materials and construction

Primary material: Lead
Completeness: Complete

Spatial metadata

Region: South East (European Region)
County or Unitary authority: Isle of Wight (Unitary Authority)
District: Isle of Wight (Unitary Authority)
To be known as: Isle of Wight

Spatial coordinates

Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.

Discovery metadata

Method of discovery: Metal detector
Discovery circumstances: Club rally
Current location: Finder
General landuse: Cultivated land
Specific landuse: Operations to a depth greater than 0.25m

References cited

Author	Publication Year	Title	Publication Place	Publisher	Pages	Reference
Harvey, P.D.A. and McGuinness, A.	1996	A Guide to British Medieval Seals	London	British Library and Public Record Office	79-88

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Timeline of associated dates

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Audit data

Recording Institution: IOW
Created: 8 years ago
Updated: 4 years ago

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