Record ID: HAMP-0E5E80
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Hampshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete copper alloy Medieval seal matrix dating from AD 1200- 1400. It is a pedestal type seal with a circular face, and faceted reverse which narrows into the stem terminating in a circular loop which would have served as a suspension loop. The die is decorated with a central squirrel facing right, with a bushy spikey tail. The legend reads * I CRAKE NOT [IS]. Weight - 9g, Height - 27mm, Max diameter of base - 20mm, Max shaft width - 8mm
Created on: Tuesday 31st October 2023
Last updated: Tuesday 31st October 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: DEV-876C45
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Devon
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete copper-alloy seal matrix dating to the medieval period, c. AD. 1300-1400. The seal matrix has a lightly facetted hexagonal handle which tapers to a single-loop terminal. The loop may have been more elaborate originally, but it is now very worn and no detail is observed. The die of the matrix is circular. There is also damage to the edge of the die. It is decorated with an eight pointed star in the form of two overlaid squares (each created with two incised lines). Inside the star there is a motif within a beaded border, probably of a curled…
Created on: Wednesday 6th September 2023
Last updated: Thursday 7th September 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NARC-6AF088
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Northamptonshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete copper-alloy Seal Matrix of Medieval date (AD 1200-1400). The object is composed of a circular die stamp and a tapered and faceted hexagonal section handle with a collared oval drilled loop at its apex. The die has the engraved image of a squirrel facing right (left in impression) at the centre. Around this is the inscription * I CRAKE NOTIS (I crack nuts), which is a common legend on squirrel matrices Height: 17.33mm, Diameter: 14.67mm, Thickness: 3.91mm, Weight: 4.0g The metal is dark brown in colour with a slightly pitted patina. Similar examples…
Created on: Friday 31st March 2023
Last updated: Friday 31st March 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: WMID-18A49E
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Staffordshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete copper-alloy seal matrix dating to c. AD 1200 - 1400.  The printing surface is circular in plan and has a design of a squirrel on all four paws with a bushy tail above it. When printed, the legend reads *I CRAKE NOTES ('I crack nuts'). The reverse of the matrix has a conical handle which terminates at the start of the suspension loop. The rest of the loop is missing.  The matrix is a green / brown colour with an even surface patina.  Measurements: 17.8mm diameter, length 13.9mm, weight 5.4 grams As stated by LIN-C839A6: It has bee…
Created on: Monday 27th March 2023
Last updated: Friday 19th May 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: SWYOR-17DA60
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Lincolnshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A copper alloy Medieval seal matrix dating from AD 1200 - 1300, and personal matrix. It is a pointed oval (vesica-shaped) seal with a flat reverse and a semi-circular perforated lug on the reverse at one end. The central design is a squirrel facing left (on the impression). The inscription is bordered by beaded lines. It appears to read +S' IO+H'IS+DE D+VHTO which is likely to mean Seal of John of [placename]. The inscription has unusually numerous crosses in it, which do not appear to divide words. The seal has a dark brown patina  Leng…
Created on: Monday 27th March 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 30th August 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: PUBLIC-F82E52
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Cornwall
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete copper-alloy  non-heraldic seal matrix of medieval date, (about AD 1200 -1400). The die of the matrix is circular with a tapering, hexagonally faceted, conical handle extending from the reverse. The handle terminates in a sub-circular loop with central perforation which would have served as a means of suspension. A raised circumferential collar is present where the handle extends into the loop. The die itself The seal matrix is sub-oval in plan (14.4 mm x 15.5mm in diameter) with some of the die face edges missing in old damage. It is engraved with the design of a …
Created on: Saturday 31st December 2022
Last updated: Saturday 26th August 2023
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'St. Hilary', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SUSS-58CF73
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: East Sussex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete, cast copper-alloy Medieval pedestal seal matrix dating c.1300-1400. The object is worn and abraded. Only the base of the seal survives which is has an originally circular die and a broadly hexagonal-based handle which terminates in a worn break just below the suspension loop, the vestigial stubs of which remain.  The circular die is engraved with a crouched rabbit or hare, ears flattened against its back. The surrounding legend is worn reading [...]IVE SV in retrograde. The inscription originally reading:  * PRIVE SV (I am pr…
Created on: Thursday 29th September 2022
Last updated: Monday 10th October 2022
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: SUR-8CC0CD
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: West Berkshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A corroded medieval cast copper alloy personal seal matrix of pointed oval (vescia) shape and 25mm in length. The die face depicts a squirrel facing left (right on the impression) with an indistinct surrounding legend + S' GILLVIVS [...]E[...], which may read "Sigillum (Seal of) William ...". The reverse has the stump of a suspension loop at the top end. Circa 13th to 14th century.
Created on: Monday 9th May 2022
Last updated: Monday 9th May 2022
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: DOR-94724C
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A copper alloy seal matrix. A discoidal matrix with a low ridge and pierced loop handle at the rear. The ridge runs across the diameter of the disc and expands into the loop at one end. The face of the matrix is decorated with a motif of a tree with multiple round-ended branches extending from a central trunk, a small squirrel in the tree on the right side, facing left, and a small bird towards the top of the tree on the left, facing right, all inside a framing groove. Around the outside is the reversed legend reading SECRETA TEGO (I cover secrets). There is a further framing band a…
Created on: Wednesday 27th April 2022
Last updated: Thursday 26th May 2022
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: LIN-C839A6
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Lincolnshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete cast copper-alloy medieval seal matrix dating to c. AD 1200-1300. The printing face of the seal matrix is oval in plan and, when printed, the seal shows the central image of a squirrel facing right and eating a nut held between its forepaws. The legend is very worn, which runs clockwise and probably reads: '*I CRAKE NOTES' ('I crack nuts'). Several examples of this seal type are recorded on the PAS database. It has been suggested that the legend (for which the usual form is 'I CRAKE NOTIS') refers to sexual conquest (P.D.A. Harvey and A. McGuinness; 1996; pp. 89); anot…
Created on: Thursday 24th March 2022
Last updated: Tuesday 5th 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: NMS-6159E5
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Medieval copper alloy seal matrix, hexagonally faceted handle with a pierced terminal. Circular, diameter 17mm. Height 19mm. A gryllus in the form of a squirrel with a human head, facing left. * IE SV NVTEL (I am ?). "nutel" is of uncertain meaning, but squirrels are often associated on medieval seal matrices with nuts, especially the cracking thereof. 14th century. Finder's number V4/1
Created on: Saturday 18th September 2021
Last updated: Friday 22nd October 2021
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: SUSS-BF14C8
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Hampshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete, circular copper alloy Medieval personal seal matrix of Godfrey du Bosquiel dating c. AD. 1460-1500. The surviving matrix is flat circular and uniface and the handle or suspension loop is missing. The die is in sharp relief and set within a raised roundel surrounded by a deep groove adjacent to the rim. The central design is of a flat topped heraldic shield with a rounded base and canton containing a squirrel in the top left quadrant. Behind the shield is a standing male figure with a staff topped with a lions paw. Below and aside the shield are two supporters comp…
Created on: Thursday 5th August 2021
Last updated: Thursday 16th September 2021
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NLM-530E58
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: North Lincolnshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Copper alloy seal matrix. A circular matrix with constricted handle surmounted by a rhomboid loop. The matrix imprint bears the central motif of a crouching long-eared and long-clawed creature, possibly a rabbit or squirrel, with a branch above it. An inscribed legend reads: *CI[-]NE SV, perhaps I am a coney. It is uncertain whether a pun on a personal name or amorous disposition is referred to - a better informed reading may assist[!] - the common reading PRIVE SV is probably more likely. Suggested date: Medieval, 1250-1300 Diameter: 17.2mm, Height: 19.2mm, Weight: 6.08gms
Created on: Monday 19th July 2021
Last updated: Monday 19th July 2021
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: PUBLIC-8E2C8C
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Kent
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A heavily worn copper-alloy Medieval pedestal seal matrix dating to the 13/14th century. The matrix is conical in shape with a hexagonal die and handle terminating with a collar above which is a cast quatrefoil suspension loop. The matrix's die is circular and heavily abraded with very little visible of the inscription. The device is clearer but still uncertain, possibly zoomorphic (bird/squirrel?) Measurements: Height: 24.83 mm, Diameter of dieface 16.83 mm and Weight: 10.6 g This matrix fits a well known group of both anonymous and personal seal matrices of the 13th a…
Created on: Saturday 22nd May 2021
Last updated: Thursday 2nd September 2021
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: BH-EB11D7
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Oxfordshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete copper-alloy gilded seal matrix dating to the Medieval period (AD 1300-1400). The die of the matrix is circular with a hexagonally fluted handle extending from the reverse. The fluting terminates at a triple hexagonal collar, the central most of which is thicker and wider that those above and below. This is surmounted by an openwork trefoil-shaped terminal infilled with deposition residue, with a further pentagonal plate with a circular attachment loop above. Traces of gilding are visible on one side of the handle element. The die depicts a squirrel facing right with b…
Created on: Tuesday 20th April 2021
Last updated: Tuesday 20th April 2021
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: HAMP-25C5C5
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Hampshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete cast copper alloy Medieval seal matrix with a fluted tapering handle and drilled trefoil terminal with ridged collar. The die face is 20mm in diameter and depicts a squirrel facing right with bushy tail curving over body of the animal. Snout, eyes, mouth and nose can be discerned, as can upper and lower limbs. The legend reads I C[RA]KE NOTIS (I crack nuts), which is a common choice for this design. Circa 14th century.
Created on: Tuesday 9th February 2021
Last updated: Thursday 11th February 2021
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NMS-CF796B
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Medieval seal matrix, copper alloy, flat, with slight median rib with pierced lug at one end on the reverse (behind the tail of the squirrel on the face). Circular, 19.5mm. Eight-pointed star formed of two interlaced squares framing a squirrel eating a nut to sinister. G E T E G E (?perhaps an abbreviated version of LEGE TEGE: read, conceal). The letters are placed between the points of the star). 14th century.
Created on: Tuesday 24th November 2020
Last updated: Friday 5th March 2021
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: ESS-A212C7
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Complete copper-alloy seal matrix dating from c. AD 1200-1400. The seal matrix has a circular die stamp and a tapered and faceted hexagonal section handle with a collared oval drilled loop at its apex. The die has the engraved image of a squirrel facing right (left in impression) at the centre. Around this is the inscription * I CRAKE NOTIS (I crack nuts), which is a common legend on squirrel matrices (see also NLM-8D8EAA, WILT-B5DF0B, LVPL-0DFAFC, YORYM-ACEBA5
Created on: Thursday 10th September 2020
Last updated: Wednesday 23rd September 2020
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: WILT-CEAEA8
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete medieval copper-alloy pedestal seal matrix dating to cAD 1300 - 1400 The matrix has a circular die, which extends upwards to an hexagonal cross-sectioned body. The body narrows to a short handle, also hexagonal in cross-section, at the apex of which is a circular suspension loop surmounting a collar. The matrix is a dark grey-green colour with brassy colour in some places. The die depicts a squirrel facing right (would transfer in wax to facing left), with bushy tail indicated by deep cuts behind the body of the animal. Snout, eyes, mouth and nose can be discerned, as …
Created on: Monday 31st August 2020
Last updated: Friday 5th November 2021
No spatial data available.