File:13th-14th century Seal Matrixk (FindID 811909).jpg

Description:

The seal matrix is flat and circular in shape although slightly warped and chipped around the circumference. The suspension loop remains at the top of the reverse although it is broken across the loop. The front incised design features a large central octofoil (eight pettled flower), with alternating large and small petals surrounded by a thin circular line. Surrounding this central design is the incised legend, running anti-clockwise (retrograde) to allow it to appear the correct way round when stamped. The circumferential legend is near legible but has several patches of wear which may obsucre an inital cross making a full reading difficult . It apears to read 'S (N/A)(W/LI?)(m/CI)E F' GIR(A/E)LD'. First name is uncertain but maybe 'ALICIE', with this in mind it is suggested the seal translates as 'Sigil of Alice Daughter of Gerald'. The lettering on the seal matrix is fairly crude and has identifying features of barred Cs & Es and wedged tailed Rs. The reverse of the matrix is decorated by a fleur-de-lis in relief that cover the entirety of the reverse with the suspension lug form the bottom of the upright element of the lis The matrix is covered by a by mid white-brown patina mixed with dirt and where it has been recently damaged by ploughing the underlining grey of the lead shows through.

Measurements: 26.19mm in diameter, 12.44mm thick (including suspension lug, 4.7mm without)) and 19.75g in weight

Discussion:

Relatively simple design suggests this seal belongs to the earlier part of the 13th-14th century time period suggested by Harvey and McGuinness (1996. 79-80) for non heraldic personal seals.