MEDIEVAL SEAL MATRIX

1200

Lead seal matrix, pointed oval in shape and measuring 30 x 18 mm. On the flat reverse is a relief design of a longitudinal ridge with a curled-down line to either side looking a little like the two side leaves of a fleur-de-lis. Within the curve on either side is a raised dot, and above the curled-down lines are two short upwards-pointing lines. At the top of the longitudinal line is a pierced D-shaped lug.The engraving on the front is deep and well made, and survives in good condition. The central motif looks like a very simple bird, which is the right way up when the impression is held on its side with the top to the right; the bird is in profile right, with beak upwards. Perhaps it was intended as a bird, or perhaps it is a hauberger's tool.The inscription around is of large letters, and reads +S' ADE' LE' HAVB' G' (Seal of Adam the Hauberger; a hauberger is a mail-shirt maker, and the surname survives in names such as Habbishaw). At the top is a cross with the vertical arm much longer than the horizontal arm. A chunky and well-made seal matrix of the 13th century.