SEAL MATRIX

A copper-alloy seal matrix dating from the 13th or 14^th century. It consists of a hexagonally faceted handle surmounted by a collar and lozenge-shaped suspension loop with circular perforation. The central motif is a four-legged animal, probably a lion, rampant (standing upright on hind legs with front paws raised) facing left on the matrix and right on the impression. The front paws appear to have several toes and the rear paws may too. The tail of the beast emerges horizontally from its hindquarters and then rises vertically, parallel to the back, before looping back upon itself; the tail ends pointing downwards in a long furry tuft.

This central design is enclosed within a circular groove (which would create a circular ridge in the impression). Around the edge of the die, outside the groove, is an inscription. This has been damaged by abrasion and is too worn to decipher accurately. It appears to begin above the lion's head with a small cross, and may read + [...]X A[...]SLVW.

The object has a mid-green patina, but has been coated with a shiny substance obscuring some of the details.

From the size and the image it depicts, it is most likely to represent a private personal seal. This type of seal is dated to the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, 1200-1400. Similar parallels can be seen in Salisbury Medieval Catalogue (Part 1) pages 27-39.