Record ID: NMGW-5FA7C6
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: Ceredigion
Workflow stage: Published
Author: Dr Sian Iles  Description & identification Small silver seal matrix with an oval face. It is engraved with a motif of crested and plumed bird, walking right and in side profile. it’s the bird’s beak is open, holding a leafed branch which extends over its head and back. The motif is set within a single cabled oval border. The face is slightly misshapen with some damage to the right side.  The hexagonal handle tapers upwards to a large circular suspension loop with a transverse perforation, above a transverse collar. It is surmounted by a decorative sph…
Created on: Wednesday 21st February 2024
Last updated: Wednesday 21st February 2024
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Nantcwnlle Community', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: CORN-11257D
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Cornwall
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A small seal matrix, of probable Medieval dating (1200-1400 AD), featuring decoration of two semi circles, separated at their straight edges by three horizontal dots. It is possible that the slightly larger semi-circle was intended to represent a simplified form of an animal; perhaps a bear or boar. While it is in an overall good state of preservation, the loop appears brittle. From the handle flowing down into the seal matrix itself, the shape changes slightly. Nearer the handle it is more hexagonal, but upon reaching the seal matrix itself, it rounds out into a circular shape. …
Created on: Wednesday 24th January 2024
Last updated: Thursday 28th March 2024
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: DYFED-F74759
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: the Vale of Glamorgan
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Object is a complete, copper alloy seal matrix dating to the medieval period (c.AD 1300-1400). The object is conical with a handle that rises from a circular die. The handle consists of a rounded collar, atop of which is a decorative suspension loop with a circular perforation. The die has a worn incised inscription which is  mostly illegible.  The design has a duck with a winged insect (wasp?) above on the back of the duck. The die is slightly worn at 8 o’clock. It has a dark and green patina. Diameter of die is 16.7mm at the widest point. The…
Created on: Friday 18th August 2023
Last updated: Tuesday 21st November 2023
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'St. Donats', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: IOW-4DE3E1
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Isle of Wight
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Complete Medieval cast copper alloy seal matrix, c.AD 1200-1400. This object is comprised of a pointed oval sheet of copper alloy; one the reverse there is a pierced lug at the top and a strengthening ridge running down the length of it. The obverse has a central design of a crane or stork feeding three chicks in the nest, surrounded by a single border. Around this is the legend: S'GILES: CRONTIER (Seal of Giles: Crontier), which is edged by another single border.
Created on: Thursday 11th August 2022
Last updated: Thursday 25th August 2022
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Isle of Wight', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: NMGW-7ECBDA
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Monmouthshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete cast copper alloy seal matrix of Medieval date (c.1300-1400 AD). The matrix is of conical form with hexagonal facets and is missing the rim of the die as well as the upper part of the handle. The central device is in the form of a stag, deer, or hart, standing or running left, roughly but competently carved with a tail, four and hind legs, and large branching antlers set within a circular field. The legend is largely obliterated, with a mullet initial mark at 12 o’clock. The only discernable characters of the inscription are the first and penultimate letter…
Created on: Monday 1st August 2022
Last updated: Monday 8th August 2022
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NARC-150F84
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: Northamptonshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete copper alloy Seal Matrix of Post-Medieval date (AD 1550-1700). The seal’s die is ovate in shape. The central motif is incised and depicts a bird with folded wings and triangular pointed beak, around which is a foliate wreath. The integral handle has a waisted ovate sectioned shaft, with a partially retained tri-lobed handle, the upper loop is partially missing due to an old and abraded break. The metal is a mid-green in colour with a pitted patina. Height: 21.39mm, Diameter: 14.38mm, Thickness (of shaft): 2.64mm, Weight: 3.3g Bailey, G. 2000. Finds Identi…
Created on: Thursday 21st April 2022
Last updated: Thursday 22nd September 2022
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NARC-ED8EA6
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Warwickshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete copper alloy Seal Matrix of Medieval date (AD 1200-1400). The object is oval in plan and retains an integral suspension loop at the upper end of the back of the object. The front face of the object is decorated with an incised central motif, which depicts a fish with an open mouth, an upper dorsal fin and triangular tail fin. The scales are indicated by repeating transverse lines. There is an ovate linear border around the central motif, around which is an inscription, in retrograde which reads: *LEGE TECTA TEGE, which translates as: READ KEEP? CONCEAL. The metal is g…
Created on: Tuesday 19th April 2022
Last updated: Tuesday 26th April 2022
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NMGW-5AF1AD
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Gloucestershire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete cast copper alloy seal matrix of Medieval date (AD 1200-1400). The seal matrix is sub-oval in plan (16.3mm x 15.2mm in diameter) with much of the die face edge missing in old damage. The handle is fluted and tapering, missing the terminal, but was likely trefoil in design with a dilled perforation (surviving overall height of 18.7mm). The die face depicts an engraved squirrel facing right with a bushy tail curving over the body towards the squirrel’s head. The squirrel is stylistic with crude front and hind legs visible as well as the squirrel’s head and snout. Trace…
Created on: Wednesday 5th January 2022
Last updated: Saturday 5th February 2022
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NARC-4805AA
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Buckinghamshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete copper alloy Seal Matrix of Medieval date (AD 1300-1400). The object is a pointed vessica shape with an integral projecting lug in the reverse. The lug has a circular perforation and lower ridge which runs the length of the object. The front of the object has a central motif, within an inner linear border, which depicts a pelican, feeding its three young with blood dripping from its own breast. This was a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice and was one of several popular religious images used on Medieval seals. The outer edge of the object is inscribed with a retrograde…
Created on: Wednesday 29th September 2021
Last updated: Wednesday 17th August 2022
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NMGW-A661D8
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Pembrokeshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Medieval copper alloy seal matrix of 12th or 13th century date The seal matrix is incomplete, missing the terminal loop and with peripheral damage and is heavily-corroded (with a surviving length of 18.6mm and a weight of 7.1g). The missing loop was surmounted on a circular-sectioned handle with a rounded swelling below the loop (9.3mm diameter and 4.5mm diameter below). There appears to have been a circular perforation (1mm diameter) through the widest part of the handle and containing iron, perhaps indicating a chain loop was attached to the handle, possibly as a repair after t…
Created on: Monday 15th February 2021
Last updated: Monday 15th February 2021
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NMGW-ABC844
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Pembrokeshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Medieval copper alloy seal matrix of 13th or 14th century date The matrix is of circular form, with an hexagonally faceted handle and is near-complete but with damaged edges and is now heavily-corroded (with a length of 22.7mmand a weight of 5.2g). The loop (3.0mm internal diameter) at the apex of the handle is damaged, missing one side but appears to have been of unusual lozenge form. Beneath the loop, a moulding defined the top of the faceted handle, which expands to the truncated circular seal die, now with eroded edges (of 18.0mm maximum diameter). The central device on the s…
Created on: Wednesday 3rd February 2021
Last updated: Wednesday 3rd February 2021
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NARC-6898B8
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: Northamptonshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete silver Seal Matrix of Post Medieval to Modern date (AD 1725-1800). The object is a pedestal type seal matrix and is composed of an ornate lug handle with an integral suspension loop and upper knop. The seal is ovate and stepped/cusped at the base, the upper edges are slightly raised. The seal face is decorated with a sight hound catching a hare within a beaded border. There is a stamped makers mark at the base of the upper surface of the die face, it reads NM. The style of both the handle and central motif are similar to 18th Century neoclassical style fob seals.…
Created on: Thursday 19th November 2020
Last updated: Friday 4th December 2020
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NMGW-C71489
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Monmouthshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete cast copper alloy flat pointed oval seal matrix of Medieval date (likely 13th to 14th century). The seal matrix is flat, pointed oval in plan with a broken lug projecting above the top point of the die from the back of the matrix. The reverse of the matrix is undecorated and flat the surface covered by a mottled patina and patches of copper alloy corrosion. The matrix is 2.5mm thick from the die to the reverse and 4.6mm thick at the lug. The central motif of the matrix die is a pelican in her piety, i.e. a bird perched on a nest pecking at its own breast, feeding th…
Created on: Tuesday 6th October 2020
Last updated: Tuesday 6th October 2020
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Llanarth', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: PUBLIC-80CFAA
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Kent
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete and barely worn copper-alloy Medieval pedestal seal matrix dating to the 14th century. Description: The matrix is conical in shape with a hexagonal die and short handle at the apex of which is a drilled ovoid suspension loop. The matrix' die is circular and bears the crudely engraved central motif of a facing feline with shaggy fur uncertain as to whether a domestic cat or a lion. The surrounding legend reads retrograde as to appear the correct way round when used and is very crude and misspelled, reading "+IE SV TESTE DE CHA", The initial mark is formed of a large pe…
Created on: Monday 3rd August 2020
Last updated: Wednesday 19th August 2020
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: KENT-BFD42D
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Kent
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete and barely worn copper-alloy anonymous Medieval pedestal seal matrix dating to the 14th century. Description: The matrix is conical in shape with a circular die and short handle at the apex of which is a drilled ovoid suspension loop, collar proceeding it. The matrix' dieface is circular with a central uncertain design, probably a squirrel riding a hound left. The surrounding legend reads retrograde as to appear the correct way round when used roughly reading "+IE VOS A BOIS:", initial mark is standard and space filled at end by :. The inscription appears to be in poorly…
Created on: Wednesday 13th November 2019
Last updated: Thursday 14th November 2019
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NMGW-B204C6
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: County of Herefordshire
Workflow stage: Published
Medieval copper alloy seal matrix of 13th or 14th century date The seal matrix is of pointed oval form and is complete but has some corrosion (with a length of 27.9mm, a width of 16.5mm, 2.8mm thick and a weight of 6.6g). The rear of the matrix has a loop at the apex (giving the matrix a depth of 7.4mm and with a perforation diameter of 3.0mm) with a gradually weakening rib extending from its base. The seal die has a central device, depicting a seated creature in side view, facing towards the left (from the perspective of the impression), probably a squirrel. The squirrel is depict…
Created on: Monday 7th October 2019
Last updated: Monday 7th October 2019
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: WMID-E339E7
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: Warwickshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete copper alloy seal matrix dating to the Post Medieval period (c. AD 1600-1700). The object has a tapering circular-sectioned handle with an incomplete trefoil suspension loop, broken away at the apex. The suspension loop is decorated with an openwork design of three circles in a line immediately below the main suspension loop. The die is oval in plan and depicts a bird standing facing left, possibly with wings spread. The matrix shows signs of corrosion therefore any other details are difficult to identify. The die does not appear to have a legend. Read (2001: 81) no.…
Created on: Friday 29th March 2019
Last updated: Friday 5th April 2019
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NARC-8ECFC5
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Northamptonshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete copper alloy Seal Matrix of Medieval date (AD 1300-1400). The object is octagonal and flat with rib ending in pierced lug on reverse. The central motif is a large bird facing right, possibly a stork/heron or swan. The inscription is in retrograde sitting between two linear borders. The inscription is heavily abraded and only legible in part and reads: +S'OI[?]E[???]. Length: 23.86mm, Width: 21.09mm, Thickness: 3.15mm, Weight: 7.6g The metal is mid-green in colour with a pitted patina.
Created on: Monday 25th March 2019
Last updated: Wednesday 27th March 2019
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Near Kettering', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: NARC-E7C421
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: Northamptonshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete copper alloy Seal Matrix of Post-Medieval date (AD 1550-1700). The seal is a merchant's seal and is ovate in shape. The central motif is a stag moving right within a linear border. The integral handle has a waisted ovate sectioned shaft, with a tri-lobed handle. The metal is a mid-green in colour with areas corrosions and a pitted patina. Height: 26.82mm, Length (seal face): 14.09mm, Width (of shaft): 14.02mm, Thickness (of shaft): 2.12mm, Weight: 3.8g Bailey, G. 2000. Finds Identified, pages 25-31, figure 24. Also see, Harvey, P. and McGuinness, A. 1996. A G…
Created on: Tuesday 5th March 2019
Last updated: Wednesday 10th April 2019
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: OXON-D17A39
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: Oxfordshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A cast and pressed copper alloy seal holder (seal missing) c. 1700 - 1850 AD. The holder has an oval base into which the seal would have sat. The upper is then formed by two rounded openwork arms each pressed with a Medici style lion with its feet on balls at the base of each circle, and a raised tail. The finial then wraps over to form a suspension loop with raised outer ribs containing a pair of smaller ribbed lines. The surface has a roughed brown/green patina.
Created on: Wednesday 20th February 2019
Last updated: Tuesday 26th February 2019
Spatial data recorded.