SEAL MATRIX

Complete cast copper alloy 'vesica' shaped seal matrix of medieval date (1200-1400). The seal matrix is sub-oval (oval with pointed ends) in plan and sub-rectangular in cross section. On the reverse face of the seal on the upper edge in alignment with the two pointed ends, is a small sub-oval perforated lug. This lug is set at an angle of 90° to the plain of the body of the seal. The perforation has a build-up of soil inside.

The design on the front face of the matrix consists of a central motif with an inscription reading anti-clockwise around the edge. The central motif appears to represent a tree or branch and consists of a vertical incised rib at the centre of the matrix with two smaller curved ribs at the lower edge and above this three further curved ribs either side of the central rib. These ribs terminate with a circular pellet. The inscription is worn and partially missing therefore it is not possible to interpret the inscription and suggest whom the seal belonged to. It possibly reads SMIEISI S [.] the text is then missing due to abrasion present. The reverse is undecorated apart from a central vertical incision running down the centre of the matric. This may have been caused due to damage in the plough soil. The matrix is cream in colour. There are similar seals recorded on the database with a tree motif in the centre, these have been discovered in Surrey, (SUR-C5F736) and also on the Isle of Wight (IOW-DE7DCB). Similar vesica shaped personal seals can be seen in the Salisbury Medieval Catalogue, pages 31-39 and are dated to the 13th and very early 14th Century (1200-1350).

The seal measures 33.5 mm in length, 20.64 mm in width, 3.11 mm in thickness and weighs 9.2 g.

Saunders, P., 1991. Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum Medieval Catalogue: Part 1. Salisbury: Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum.