File:Post Medieval, Fob Seal Matrix (FindID 450702).jpg

English: A cast copper alloy 'fob' seal of modern date probably later 18th or early 19th Century (1740-1850). The seal is formed with a sub-rectangular mauve / purple coloured glass intaglio. The intaglio is set within a machine pressed body which ascends through moulded foliate scrolls to a small circular hoop. All the metal decoration is machine pressed and heavily gilt. The metal shows through in places where the gilt is lost and is a dark green colour with patches of active purple corrosion.

The intaglio is remarkably well cut and intricate in design. It consists of a centrally position heraldic device being that of the Society of Oddfellows. The shield is sub-rectangular and is divided into four fields by a central vertical cross; the cross itself is decorated with smaller saltire crosses. Each divided quarter bares a different device, clockwise from top-left, a pair of crossed (saltire) keys; an hour glass: a bee hive with a number of bees around the edge; is unclear, most probably the Agnes Dei / Lamb of God (lamb with pendant and staff). The shield is surmounted with a wreath, within which is a pair of clasped hands / or single hand (with sleeves / cuffs beneath); above the hands is a disc, most probably an eye - possibly with a halo, to either side are radiating diagonal lines - presumably representing light. Beneath the shield are two smaller shields set at diagonal angles, the one to the left is emblazoned with a vertical cross (Cross of St George/ arms of St George) whilst the other is unclear, it seems to have a pair of chevrons. In the angle between the shields is a small fleur-de-lis. To either side of the shield are two groups of figures. The group to the left (right in the impression) are a couple (male (foreground) and female (background). The man is wearing a short sword at his waste and possibly a cape; he is also wearing a wig or hat. The female is possibly wearing a hat, with parasol (?) and corset with wide skirt. The group on the right hand side (left in impression) consists of a standing female figure, possibly a saint or Mary, with two small children (one a toddler the other a child) at her feet. The standing female / saint is the only figure standing face on; she is wearing what looks to be a habit or long dress and has her hands folded in prayer. It is possible that rather than in prayer she is holding a baby (hence suggestion of Mary, Mother of God, holding Jesus), due to the small size of the scene it is difficult to be more precise. The younger of the child (toddler) is facing the saint; with their back to the viewer, hands and arms outstretched to the saint (the arms only reach the waste of the saint). The other child is larger and facing 3/4s on, again with hands outstretched. Beneath the shield and figures is a double foliate scroll with the fleur-de-lis described above at the mid point.

This form of fob seal is common in the 18th century, often being mass produced. The carving of the intaglio seal is much better than most of these mass produced seals, being detailed and in proportion. The scene depicted is unusual, the heraldic device being that of the Oddfellows (Society of Oddfellows). The flanking scene is unusual and possibly of a religious or quasi-religious nature and it is likely that this may be a private seal of a devotional nature.

The seal measures 19.8mm length 17.6mm width and raises to the broken loop a height of 20.2mm. The matrix weighs 7.65 grams.