POST MEDIEVAL SEAL MATRIX

1600

An incomplete cast copper alloy seal matrix of post-medieval date. The seal matrix is of the cruciform type with only three arms remaining. Each arm extends from an integrally cast central ring expanding outwards to a circular die. The fourth arm has been lost to a worn break. The dies feature, respectively, a stag, a skull and a fleur-de-lis. While stags and fleur de lis were common heraldic devices encountered on seal matrices those employed on these later cruciform types were generally none heraldic and saw poorer quality engraving.The metal has a dark blackish-green patina and is worn. The matrix is 36.1mm long, 27.6mm wide, 5.1mm thick, the dies are approximately 11.7mm x 9.7mm, and the object weighs 9.5g.Similar examples have been recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database as SUSS-82D416 and DEV-A63362.