MEDIEVAL SEAL MATRIX

1200

Medieval copper alloy seal matrix, flat and pointed-oval in shape. Flat undecorated reverse. A flat crescentic or semi-circular lug projects from the top corner, and has a circular perforation. The engraved central motif is a bold fleur-de-lis with a flaring central stem with a small projection below. The inscription is set between plain line borders, and reads +S. ROB'. FIL'. AL'. PILAT (Seal of Rob[ert] son of Al[an] Pilat). The engraving is chunky and very well formed. 13th century.Reaney and Wilson suggest that the name Pilat may possibly be a pageant-name for someone who played Pontius Pilate in a pageant, but it is perhaps more likely to be a diminutive of the Old English personal name Pila.