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SEAL MATRIX
Unique ID: BH-99EC52
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
Description: A complete silver seal matrix dating to the Post-Medieval period (c. AD 1600-1700). The matrix possesses an oval shaped die and a broadly trefoil shaped openwork handle consisting of two circles either side of a sub-trapezoidal section which extends to two incomplete circles. In-between this extends an inverted tear-drop surrounded by a circular knop. The die, attached to the handle by a narrowed circular sectioned stem, depicts a bird in the centre facing right with its right leg raised and a sprig in its beak within a plain-lined circumferential boarder.
Measurements: The seal matrix measures 27.5mm in length and 13mm in width and 2.5mm thick at the handle. The stem is 5mm in diameter, while the die has a maximum diameter of 15mm. It weighs 6.12 grams.
Notes:
Conclusion: The object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal and is over 300 years old but due to its date of discovery has to be considered under the old common law of Treasure Trove in place at the time. In order to be Treasure Trove, objects had to be deemed to have been hidden with the deliberate intention of future recovery. This seal matrix is likely the product of a casual loss, and therefore it fails to meet the definition of Treasure Trove.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder after being declared not Treasure
Treasure details
Treasure case tracking number: 2019T152
Chronology
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1600
Date to: Circa AD 1700
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 27.5 mm
Width: 13 mm
Thickness: 2.5 mm
Weight: 6.12 g
Diameter: 15 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Saturday 6th August 1994 - Saturday 6th August 1994
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Treasure case number: 2019T152
Materials and construction
Primary material: Silver
Manufacture method: Cast
Decoration style: Zoomorphic
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Buckinghamshire (County)
District: Aylesbury Vale (District)
Parish or ward: Swanbourne (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SP7827
Four figure Latitude: 51.93605121
Four figure longitude: -0.86685071
1:25K map: SP7827
1:10K map: SP72NE
Grid reference source: GPS (from the 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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