File:Medieval seal matrix (profile, seal matrix, seal impression) (FindID 217374).jpg

English: An incomplete copper alloy medieval seal matrix. The seal matrix has a flat (but incised), circular base. Transverse to the base is a conical handle, hexagonally facetted, which narrows towards the collar at the base of the broken suspension loop at the top. The suspension loop consists of two arcs with broken ends. The collar below the suspension loop is hexagonal in section, and tapers towards the handle. The circular matrix has a central design and an inscription running around the perimeter, as is common with medieval seal matrices (see Tonnochy, "Catalogue of British Seal dies in the British Museum", 1952, p.xxv). The central design is of Mary, crowned, sat on a throne with Christ on her knee. There appears to be a repeated leaf design on the right annd more clearly the left hand sides to the perimeter of the design. The design is recessed, and largely within a penannular beaded border, also recessed, which is broken at the top where the crown of Mary terminates. There is a second recessed beaded border towards the circumference of the base of the seal matrix. This forms a complete circle. Between the two beaded borders, at the top, there is a repeated leaf design, followed by the inscription (in reverse): "(A/a)ve (M/m)aria gracia plena" (Hail Mary, full of grace). The seal matrix has a dark green patina. It has a diameter of 25.8mm, the length from the top of the suspension loop to the base of the matrix is 27.9mm, and it weighs 21.28g. Cherry (1997, p.124) states that: "There was a widespread fashion among all classes for sealing, from the late twelfth to the fourteenth century." This is the most likely date for the seal matrix described in this record.