MEDIEVAL SEAL MATRIX

1200

Medieval lead seal matrix, 34mm long and 24mm wide. The object is pointed-oval in shape and is 3mm thick; it has a pale beige patina and is in good condition. The centre is decorated with a cross-shaped motif made up of feathers or ears of wheat, with a short plain line radiating out from each angle. It has a small lug at the top. The inscription around the edge begins with a cross under the lug and reads + S' ENNE FIL' STEF' FABRI (Seal of Enne son of Stephen Smith). 13th century.'Enne' is a curious name which does not appear to be recorded elsewhere, and may be an idiosyncratic way of engraving the woman's name Emma, which normally appears on seal matrices in the Latin genitive, as Emme.