MEDIEVAL SEAL MATRIX

1300

Cast copper-alloy seal matrix with hexagonally faceted handle rising to a pointed and pierced terminal. The matrix face is circular and very small. In the centre is a sleeping lion curled up. Surrounding this, between plain border grooves, is the legend * WAKE ME NO MAN in Lombardic capitals. The engraving is very neat, but the start of the inscription, particularly the first word, is in small closely set letters but the end, particularly the last word, is widely spaced. Medieval, 14th century.