SEAL MATRIX

Description: A complete cast silver personal seal matrix dating to the Medieval period, c. 1300-1350. The seal matrix is of the pedestal type, demonstrating an openwork trefoil-shaped handle that retains part of its stud-and-looped suspension mount. Below the handle is a prominent double-transverse collar that thins abruptly into the facetted (hexagonally sectioned) shaft of the matrix. The latter extends downwards before flaring out abruptly to form the circular seal die, on one edge of which is a pattern of four dimples arranged in a lozenge representing an orientation mark for the top of the matrix. The underside of the die is engraved very ornately with a central coat of arms on a hatched and dotted background, around which is the inscription; +S'. IOHANNIS: LAVSELE:*. The arms themselves can be described as thus, though obviously the tinctures are uncertain; on a chevron three ermines, between two blooming flowers in chief, an escallop below.

Date: c. 1300-1350

Dimensions: the seal matrix stands 30.33mm high, the handle being 10.03mm wide at its widest point and the shaft 5.91mm thick at its midpoint. The seal die itself is 21.09mm in diameter. It weighs 22.08g.

Discussion: This seal, clearly belonging to one John Lausele or John de Lausele, is a very high quality object whose owner was evidently of some means. A number of references to the name 'John de Lausele' can be found in documentary evidence: a deed for the Treasury of the Receipt of the Exchequer (cat. no. A3520) states the following, 'Grant by John de Lausele, to Sir William de Valencia, of two acres in Melleford, in the mill field' (Maxwell Lyte 1984) , though the date of this cannot immediately be ascertained. Two references to a John de Lausele can additionally be found in the Suffolk subsidy rolls for 1327, one in Sudbury (where he paid a shilling tax) and the other in Bury St Edmunds- where again a shilling in tax was paid but he is additionally given the label of a 'tannator' or tanner. It seems reasonable to assume that based on references to Sudbury, Melford and the final loss of this object in the Nayland-with-Wissington area, that all these references pertain to the same individual. The surname 'Lausele' itself is the old name for the Suffolk village of Lawshall, again in the same geographical area and likely the place from which this John Lausele originated. Despite the above the heraldry on this seal matrix could not be traced, and possibly reflects a more 'casual' bearing of arms.

The object contains more than 10% precious metal and is over 300 years old. Consequently, it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996 in terms of both age and precious metal content.

References:

Maxell Lyte, H, C (ed.) 1894. A Descriptive Catalogue of Ancient Deeds: Volume 2. Accessed from British History Online (http://www.british-history.ac.uk/ancient-deeds/vol2) 27/3/2018

Alex Bliss SCCAS, January 2018