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BULLA

Unique ID: NMS-AA8C3E

Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow status: Awaiting validation

Medieval lead papal bulla of Martin IV (AD 1281-85), in good condition with a nice light white and grey patination. The obverse is very clear with the normal MAR/TINVS/•PP•IIII•. The right-hand side has been trimmed by cutting to produce a clear facet edge sloping upwards to the obverse face. The reverse is also clear, although slightly more worn and with less relief; this may be due to the unequal wear often seen on different bulla faces, but could it be due to the reverse die also being a little more worn. The combination of wear and corrosion means that none of the usual die flaws can be seen (eg around the lettering of SPE, or the line across the bottom of St Paul's beard). However, the double lines to the letters A and R on the obverse are clearly visible, as is the flourished serif to the final 'I'.

While bullae of Martin IV are statistically the most common papal bullae, it is perhaps of interest that a second example was found very close by in Fincham (HER 58367). it seems possible that the two may be related, perhaps associated with correspondence on a particular matter during Martin's papacy.

The obverse is sealed at 348° to the reverse die, a very loose sealing. Weight 39.913g.

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder

Chronology

Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1281
Date to: Circa AD 1285

Dimensions and weight

Quantity: 1
Weight: 39.91 g

Discovery dates

Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 1st October 2017 - Thursday 11th January 2018

Personal details

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Other reference numbers

SMR reference number: 58367
Other reference: IND11012018JS

Materials and construction

Primary material: Lead
Completeness: Complete

Spatial metadata

Region: Eastern (European Region)
County or Unitary authority: Norfolk (County)
District: King's Lynn and West Norfolk (District)
Parish or ward: Fincham (Civil Parish)

Spatial coordinates

4 Figure: TF6805
Four figure Latitude: 52.6167819
Four figure longitude: 0.48011977
1:25K map: TF6805
1:10K map: TF60NE
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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Audit data

Recording Institution: NMS
Created: 5 years ago
Updated: 5 years ago

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