SEAL MATRIX

A heavily worn, abraded and cancelled flat lead non-heraldic personal seal matrix of Medieval date c.AD 1200-1350.

Description: The matrix would have been a flat and circular in plan before it had been cancelled and folded over itself. There would likely have been a suspension loop at some point on the rear, but it is not visible due to the folding. On the front is an engraved central design of an eight-pointed star with the arms alternating long and short arms. This is surrounded by a legend which is heavily worn and runs retrograde (anti-clockwise) around the matrix so it would appear the right way round when used. Only part of the legend is visible, "+S'[_]CIE'R[__]F[___]M.G.". The exact translation of this is unfortunately not viable. The initial mark is formed by star with the arms pointing slightly clockwise. The matrix is heavily patinated an off-white colour typical of patinated lead.

Dimensions: 13.83mm wide, 26.74mm long (close to original diameter) and 10.77g in weight.

Discussion: This matrix fits with a group of commonly reported simple lead personal seal matrices dating to the 13th - mid 14th, such as KENT-AE1EEF. This group, with relatively simple non-heraldic designs and crude personal inscriptions belong to the 13th- early 14th century (Harvey and McGuinness 1996. 79-80).

The folding over is likely indicative of an attempt to the cancel the matrix and put it beyond use.