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SEAL MATRIX
Unique ID: LEIC-9C09C9
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
Late Medieval copper alloy seal matrix, 1300-1400. The matrix has a circular integral suspension loop above a hexagonal-sectioned shaft which widens out to accomodate a circular matrix. The engraving is crude, but the central motif probably shows two crossed arms with a probable bird motif above. A beaded circle separates this from the outer inscription, which reads * I VAS A MAN (I was a man).
Compare IOW-F73E63, which notes 'Irene Szymanski has commented on this seal matrix: 'a pair of crossed gloves or hands, with a rope tying them together at the wrist (barely visible) and a small bird perched in the angle made by the arms. This is a love-themed matrix, and the bound hands represent the bonds of love, the bird perhaps its joys. For a much clearer example of this device, see PAS find: IHS-7D9B66' and similar examples also in KENT4992, and PUBLIC-90D0E7
Length: 20 mm, diameter 18 mm, weight: 5.85 g.
Notes:
Thanks to Malcolm Jones for highlighting the parallel.
Class:
anonymous
Inscription:
* I VAS A MAN
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1300
Date to: Circa AD 1400
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 20 mm
Weight: 5.85 g
Diameter: 18 mm
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: East Midlands (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Leicestershire (County)
District: Harborough (District)
Parish or ward: Tilton (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SK7505
Four figure Latitude: 52.6375739
Four figure longitude: -0.89314564
1:25K map: SK7505
1:10K map: SK70NE
Grid reference source: Centred on parish
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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