Rights Holder: The Portable Antiquities Scheme
CC License:
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Unique ID: BERK-F2BBDD
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
Description: A complete silver seal matrix of post-medieval date. The matrix has a smooth but hexagonally facetted conical handle with trefoil terminal, accentuated by scrolling at the based of the handle and small, now worn, knops on the upper loop. The face of the matrix depicts the Agnus Dei, the holy lamb carrying a flag (to sinister). The lamb's fleece has been detailed with stippled engraving and the design is bound within a stippled, or annulet, oval border. There is no legend.
Discussion: Based on the design of the matrixc and the handle this object is likely to date from the first half of the 17th century. As such, and because it contains more than 10% precious metal by weight, it qualifies as Treasure under the criteria of the Treasure Act 1996. For comparison, a small number of similar matrices bearing the same design have been submitted under the Act, including 2008 T648 (database reference GLO-D5AF11 ) and 2012 T800 (NMS-3AB323).
Measurements:
Current location of find: With finder
Subsequent action after recording: Submitted for consideration as Treasure
Treasure case tracking number: 2016T868
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1600
Date to: Circa AD 1650
Quantity: 1
Height: 24.2 mm
Width: 16.9 mm
Weight: 5.6 g
Date(s) of discovery: Wednesday 5th October 2016
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Other reference: OXPAS2016.420
Treasure case number: 2016T868
Primary material: Silver
Manufacture method: Cast
Decoration style: Heraldic
Completeness: Complete
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
No references cited so far.