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SEAL MATRIX
Unique ID: BERK-A09C0E
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A complete cast copper seal matrix of medieval date. The matrix has an hexagonally faceted handle extending from a circular base. The handle has a trefoil terminal loop with three raised collars between the terminal and the shaft. The face of the seal matrix has an incised design of a six-pointed hexagram or the Star of David, in the centre of which is another single lined six-pointed star. A cross extends from the top point of the main hexagram, and there are dots located outside each angle. Around the external edge of the matrix is a personal inscription that appears to read IOH'. MASSOD, or possibly MASSOO, followed by the Ichthys, the Christian fish symbol. Although in Hebrew the word 'masso' translates as 'respect', in this case it appears that the last letter is more likely to be a 'D', and therefore this seal was the property of a John Massod. The combination of religious symbolism, and the surname Massod, would appear to indicate that the owner was of Jewish faith and ancestory.
Find of note status
This has been noted as an interesting find by the recorder.
Inscription:
+ IOH'. MASSOD
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1200
Date to: Circa AD 1400
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Height: 27.8 mm
Weight: 12.7 g
Diameter: 19.9 mm
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Other reference numbers
Other reference: OXPAS2015.279
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: West Berkshire (Unitary Authority)
District: West Berkshire (Unitary Authority)
Parish or ward: Basildon (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SU6079
Four figure Latitude: 51.50675504
Four figure longitude: -1.13688793
1:25K map: SU6079
1:10K map: SU67NW
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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