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SEAL MATRIX
Unique ID: ESS-46177B
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A Medieval copper alloy seal matrix, dating AD 1200-1400. The object has a circular die and a pointed oval handle with circular perforation to form a loop for it to be hung around the neck. The die is very worn and the inscription is no longer legible, even after impression. There is a thin cross engraved onto the die, though the angle of the arms are not even. There appear to be file marks on the handle, suggesting the object was unfinished as a result of the irregular decoration. The metal is a dark brown colour.
No similar examples of the decoration have been found, but similarly shaped seal matrices have been recorded with the PAS (cf. WILT-BD1F23) and date to the 13th-14th century.
Dimensions: height: 16.63 mm; diameter of die: 17.62 mm; weight: 6.13g.
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: 16.63 mm
Weight: 6.13 g
Diameter: 17.62 mm
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: Eastern (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Essex (County)
District: Uttlesford (District)
Parish or ward: Elmdon (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: TL4737
Four figure Latitude: 52.01196601
Four figure longitude: 0.14049682
1:25K map: TL4737
1:10K map: TL43NE
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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