SEAL MATRIX

A silver seal matrix dating from the 17th or early 18th century.

The matrix face is oval and the conical handle has six facets. The terminal of the handle is an openwork tri-lobed suspension loop, the top loop of which is incomplete. There is a thick hexagonal double collar between the loop and the shaft.

The matrix face has a beaded border and the central design is of a crown over a heart pierced by two crossed arrows. There is a very small rounded symbol in each angle of the arrows, except the angle filled by the crown. These are probably intended to be drops of blood, making it a bleeding heart design.

The imagery on the die resembles that on late 17^th -early 18^th Century buttons and cufflinks, see TAR 2005-6, nos. 615-6. This would seem to be the right dating for this decorative fob seal.

Dimensions: 15mm in length, 9mm in width (face of seal matrix), 0.50g

Discussion: This type of seal matrix is a personal seal, used for the closing of letters and correspondence. Lewis (2014) discusses the imagery of a bleeding heart and suggests that it depicts the sacred heart, representing Christ's divine love for humanity. The style and imagery used on the matrix suggests it dates to the 17^th century. There are many other seal matrices with this imagery recorded on the PAS database, including LVPL-B42673 (2015 T571), HESH-24B3F6 (2013 T307), SUR-8FAA47 (2013 T712), SOM-E0E705 (2010 T785) DOR-455AD3 (2011 T372), SWYOR-2F5652 (2011 T423), SOM-46A145, SUR-2ABDA7, SUSS-8A6B12 (2009 T27), SWYOR-6F43F2 (2011 T528), and PAS-8E6B26 (2005 T491).

Conclusion: Consequently, in terms of age and as the object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act (1996).