NLM-CFA845: Seal Matrix

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SEAL MATRIX

Unique ID: NLM-CFA845

Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow status: Awaiting validation Find awaiting validation

A cast copper-alloy medieval seal matrix. The matrix has a hexagonally faceted conical handle ending in a circular pierced terminal. The collar of the terminal consists of two ribs. The centre of the circular matrix has a hare facing right with a crescent underneath.

Malcolm Jones kindly comments on the legend as follows, correcting an initial reading [see notes below]: 'A beautifully clear impression -- as far as I can see the legend reads SOHOVLU?IMHER -- clearly composed of the familiar "sohou" cry and then LU?IMHER [the sequence is certainly -IM- and not -MI- as presently read]. If the mystery letter is an R rather than the D presently read -- though I admit it is somewhat different from the final letter R), then LURIMHER or LORIMHER (if the U is an imprefectly registered O)'. He adds: 'If we read the mystery letter as R ... then LURIMHER or LORIMHER, the occupational surname, modern Lorimer, is a possibility ["Soho, Lorimer!"]. If we read LURIMHER then "lure (h)im here" is also conceivable but not ideally suited to the context -- hares are not 'lured'.

The length is 19.7mm, the diameter is 17.8mm and the weight is 6.21g.

Notes:

An original reading was offered as: 'SOHOV LOD MI HER (Sohov led me here)', and was kindly corected by Malcolm Jones

Inscription: SOHOVLU?IMHER

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder

Chronology

Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: AD 1300
Date to: AD 1400

Dimensions and weight

Quantity: 1
Length: 19 mm
Weight: 6.21 g
Diameter: 17.8 mm

Discovery dates

Date(s) of discovery: Monday 8th November 2004

Personal details

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Other reference numbers

Other reference: NLM08622

Materials and construction

Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast

Spatial metadata

Region: East Midlands (European Region)
County or Unitary authority: Lincolnshire (County)
District: East Lindsey (District)
Parish or ward: Binbrook (Civil Parish)

References cited

No references cited so far.

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Timeline of associated dates

Audit data

Recording Institution: NLM
Created: 19 years ago
Updated: 7 years ago

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