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.

Record ID: OXON-10950C
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: West Berkshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A cast copper alloy Medieval seal matrix probably dating from the 14th century (c. AD 1300 - 1400) The matrix die is circular although its edge is now chipped along most of its circumference. The pedestal has six facets, the divisions of which remain clear and defined. Each of these faces thin as they rise to a neck which first narrows and then widens slightly at its top which has a transverse collar. Above this collar is a openwork trefoil attachment loop. One facet of the seal matrix has a vertical line indented from its edge however this is not placed so as to indicate the upp…
Created on: Monday 10th August 2020
Last updated: Wednesday 7th October 2020
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NLM-8D8EAA
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Lincolnshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Copper alloy seal matrix. A personal seal matrix with an almost circular die stamp and a tapered and faceted hexagonal section handle with a collared oval drilled loop at its apex. The matrix [impression] bears the centrally engraved image of a crouched squirrel seated left. Malcolm Jones kindly and promptly [!] comments as follows: 'I think this is actually our old friend, by far the commonest legend on squirrel matrices, I CRAKE NOTIS [I crack nuts]. I would read [I] CRARE NOTIS -- the S is retrograde, and I suggest the 2nd 'R' was supposed to be the type of lower case 'k' that loo…
Created on: Monday 23rd March 2020
Last updated: Tuesday 24th March 2020
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Willingham by Stow', grid reference and parish protected.

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: KENT-DEA97A
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Kent
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A heavily worn cast and engraved incomplete Medieval copper-alloy pointed oval seal matrix dating to the 14th century Description: The matrix consists of a flat oval die face. The Die has a central incised design of a hound or squirrel running left with tail curled above it. There is a plain line border around the design then the inscription starting with a cross potent and reading '+SIGILLVM SECRETI'. The back is flat, undecorated and lightly bevelled edges at the centre of the apex is the corroded and worn stub of a suspension loop. It has a heavy dark green patina with small pat…
Created on: Thursday 4th July 2019
Last updated: Sunday 29th September 2019
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: WILT-B5DF0B
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Wiltshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A Medieval copper alloy seal matrix dating to AD 1200-1400. The matrix is pedastal shaped, with a sub-circular base tapering into a faceted, hexagonal handle with an incomplete suspension loop at its apex. The base of the matrix is engraved with a squirrel facing right, with an illegible inscription engraved in retrograde around the exterior edge, the edges being highly abraded. It potentially reads: [I CRAKE] (NO)[TIS]. The seal weighs 5.12g and measures 15.87mm in length and the face measures 15.55mm by 13.66mm. Cf YORYM-ACEBA5 and SUR-AB409D. Wildlife, particularly s…
Created on: Tuesday 2nd July 2019
Last updated: Tuesday 14th January 2020
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: LVPL-0DFAFC
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: North Yorkshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete cast copper alloy seal matrix dating to the medieval period (c.AD 1300-1400). The object is conical with a hexagonal handle that rises from a circular die. The handle consists of a double rounded collar, atop of which is a lozenge shaped suspension loop with a circular perforation. The die has a central design of a squirrel crouching and eating a nut with its tail covering its back. The die image is surrounded by a beaded border. Around the edge of the die is a legend which appears to read '[I CRAKE] NOTIS' (I crack nuts) which is a common legend especially for ma…
Created on: Wednesday 12th June 2019
Last updated: Thursday 3rd September 2020
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Sherburn in Elmet', grid reference and parish protected.