Rights Holder: Suffolk County Council
CC License:
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Unique ID: SF-43A30C
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
A complete cast copper-alloy 'chessman' or pedestal type armorial and personal seal matrix dating to the Medieval period, c. 1350-1450. The seal matrix is of large size, with a circular body that transitions into a facetted shaft, atop which is a lobed trefoil-shaped handle with an internal aperture which acts as a suspension loop. A stamped six-pointed star is visible on the upper face of the seal as it curves towards its edge, which may represent a maker's mark or possibly a means of orienting the seal correctly by the user. The bezel itself is decorated with a coat of arms (a fretty of six with chief) within an inner pelleted border, while the inscription around is rendered in ornate black-letter script, with plant fronds being utilised as stops. This is extremely hard to read and can be interpreted in several different ways, though Malcolm Jones suggests that SIGILLVM MATHE MEOILEN (seal of Matthew Meoilen) may be an appropriate reading. Preserved in very good condition with an even green patina, it stands 27.36mm high, while the shaft measures c. 5.77mm thick at its midpoint and the body c, 25.48mm in diameter. It weighs 25.43g.
The heraldic arms are impossible to identify without tinctures, as this coat was used by various families during the Medieval period- though it is worth suggesting that they may be purely decorative in nature. Alternatively, the original owner may have been related to or bound in service to the family whose arms are displayed on the seal. Its size and quality of inscription suggest that this individual was of some standing, while the use of black-letter in the inscription indicates that a later 14th to mid 15th century date is likely to be appropriate.
This has been noted as an interesting find by the recorder.
Inscription:
SIGILLVM MATHE MEOILEN
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1350
Date to: Circa AD 1450
Quantity: 1
Height: 27.36 mm
Thickness: 5.77 mm
Weight: 25.43 g
Diameter: 25.48 mm
Date(s) of discovery: Monday 27th February 2017
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Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
No references cited so far.