Rights Holder: I. Szymanski
CC License: 
Image use policy
Our images can be used under a CC BY attribution licence (unless stated otherwise).
SEAL MATRIX
Unique ID: IHS-E3A505
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
A copper alloy, circular seal matrix with waisted hexagonal handle terminating in ovoid suspension loop with circular aperture; stem slightly distorted. Device of an elegant fleur-de-lys; two lower petals highly curved, upright petal formed of arrow stock and arrowhead. Device separated from legend by a neat beaded line; some evidence of a similar line marking the outer edge of the matrix. Legend reads *S' WILLI KAPUN (Seal of William Kapun). The N is inverted and the K could alternatively be an h, but there is no obvious surname Hapun. Kapun is a variant spelling of Capon; see IHS-549842 for another seal matrix with this surname, which means 'seller of capons'.
The fleur-de-lys has an unusual form. Although the fleur-de-lys is very common on seal matrices, here, it has been elaborated into a device similar to a drawn crossbow; the vertical petal is formed of an arrowhead and part of its stock, whilst the two lower petals are highly curved and terminate in shallow hooks reminiscent of the horn tips of a longbow. This may be purely coincidence, or it may have been chosen because its owner was involved with bows in some way.
Measurements: 17 mm diameter, 19 mm high; weight 5.4 g.
Inscription:
*S' WILLI KAPUN
Subsequent actions
Current location of find: Returned to finder
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: AD 1200
Date to: AD 1350
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Weight: 5.4 g
Diameter: 17 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Friday 1st February 2002
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Other reference numbers
Other reference: Originally York Sealmat 132
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: Yorkshire and the Humber (European Region)County or Unitary authority: North Lincolnshire (Unitary Authority)
District: North Lincolnshire (Unitary Authority)
Parish or ward: Kirmington (Civil Parish)
References cited
No references cited so far.
Similar objects
Find number: IHS-A36933
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broadperiod: MEDIEVAL
A lead circular seal matrix, back unseen. Central device of a symmetrical and ornate fleur-de-lys with an ear of corn as the vertical petal wi…
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Find number: IHS-435811
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broadperiod: MEDIEVAL
A circular seal matrix, recorded from a scan. Central device of an elegant fleur-de-lys with extra stamens(?) in the angles of the falls and …
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Find number: KENT582
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broadperiod: MEDIEVAL
A medieval seal matrix, central fleur-de-lys, inscribed 'SIGIL ASPELVN FIL. WILLI.'
Workflow: Published
Timeline of associated dates
About Us
About our Site
Find us
The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG.
T: +44(0) 20 73238618