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SEAL MATRIX
Unique ID: KENT-81A1EC
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A worn cast engraved and incomplete Medieval lead-alloy pointed oval seal matrix.
Description: On the front there is a central incuse design of a stylised floral design formed from a pair of three petals/leaves either side of a central stem with the top two having circles in the outside edge of the leaves. There is a slight dash in each of the quarter created by the matrix. There is a plain albeit crude line border around the design. Around this is the inscription inscription reading '+S'CRIÞSOFRE,F.RA'. The reverse is undecorated with a suspension loop at the apex of the reverse although it has mostly snapped away. The entire matrix is slightly warped and the edges abraded, with cracks running aross much of its face. It is patinated an off white/grey colour typical of aged lead
Measurements: 34.51mm long, 24.1mm wide, 5.9mm thick (4.75mm without suspension loop) and 18.22g in weight.
Discussion: This matrix fits with a group of commonly reported simple lead personal seal matrices dating to the 13th - mid 14th (Harvey and McGuinness 1996. 79-80).The matrix's legend appears to translate as 'Seal of Christopher son of Ra', the second name maybe Raul or Ralf both common during the period.
Class:
Flat pointed oval
Sub class: Personal
Inscription:
+S'CRIÞSOFRE,F.RA
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1200
Date to: Circa AD 1350
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 34.51 mm
Width: 24.1 mm
Thickness: 5.9 mm
Weight: 18.22 g
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Lead
Manufacture method: Cast
Decoration style: Floral
Completeness: Incomplete
Surface Treatment: Incised or engraved or chased
Spatial data
No spatial data available.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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