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CLOTH SEAL
Unique ID: SF-242F98
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A complete cast lead-alloy cloth seal probably dating to the 17th century, perhaps 1676. It is formed of two matched pairs of circular discs, folded over via a sub-rectangular connecting strip and secured to each other at the lowermost of the two pairs by an integral circular-sectioned stud which perforates the opposing disc. The upper disc is ornately decorated; on one face the alpho-numerical inscription **/DOZEN/*76* (with the numerals 76 probably referring to the date) can be seen, while on the opposing face the arms of the Quilter family (Argent, a black bend between three Martlets proper) are visible. Preserved in good condition with an even off white patina, it measures 30.90mm long, while the larger of the two discs measures 14.32mm in diameter. The cloth seal measures c. 5.16mm thick at its midpoint, and weighs 10.2g.
The word 'dozen' refers to a woollen cloth originally 12 yards long (Geoff Egan, 1995, 'Lead Cloth Seals and Related Items in the British Museum'. p.145). Two cloth seals depicting the same Quilter arms have been recorded by Stuart Elton on his database, see http://www.bagseals.org/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=4729 and http://www.bagseals.org/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=20339, in addition to a number on the PAS database (PUBLIC-DBE293, LIN-669005 and WAW-FE94A3). They are usually listed as being attached to coarse 'Kersey' cloth.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1676
Date to: Circa AD 1676
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 30.9 mm
Thickness: 5.16 mm
Weight: 10.2 g
Diameter: 14.32 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Monday 13th February 2017
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Lead Alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: Eastern (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Suffolk (County)
District: Suffolk Coastal (District)
To be known as: Framlingham
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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