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Medieval Seal Matrix and Intaglio

Seal Types

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Heraldic seal shapes - date periods

Typical seal shapes - date periods


Seals survive both as matrices and as impressions, though impressions are more common. A matrix may be of various kinds. Seals of royalty, great aristocrats and important institutions usually used a circular matrix. Sometimes there were two matrices, a seal and a counterseal, so that the wax impression which resulted would be two sided, with a different design on each side. Circular seals are known as coin seals because they resemble a coin. Coin seals vary considerably in size, but royal seals were often large. Richard III’s great seal, for example, was 900mm in diameter. The seal of a middle-ranking aristocrat would be smaller; perhaps around 350mm in diameter. Fifteenth-century great royal seals normally showed the king galloping on horseback, with drawn sword and a shield bearing the royal arms. In the early middle ages great aristocrats had used similar designs, but by the fifteenth century most of them avoided what had by then come to be seen as a royal pattern. (Unsurprisingly, perhaps, the seal of ‘Warwick the Kingmaker’ is an exception.) Instead most noblemen used seals which depicted their arms, often with the shield couché (inclined at a 45 degree angle) beneath a large helm.

Prior to the fifteenth century pointed oval designs, called vesica seals, were popular with noble women and also with high ranking ecclesiastics. The shape allowed room either to depict a full length standing figure of the owner, or alternatively to show scenes at two levels. Monastic seals often used the latter device, with a main, upper register depicting the monastery’s patron saint, and a small lower register in which the prior or abbot was shown praying. By the fifteenth century, vesica seals were somewhat out of fashion, but they still occur on documents, because monasteries in particular tended to continue using seal matrices made years — or sometimes centuries — earlier.

By the fifteenth century, use of seals was widespread. One nobleman is said to have remarked acidly that in earlier times it had not been the custom for every Tom, Dick and Harry to use a seal. Most seals were quite small, and the most common forms of matrix were the pyramid seal (a small, usually circular design with a stem on the back, by which it could be held) and the signet, which could be of any shape (but was often circular or oval) and comprised the bezel of a ring.

Seal impressions are usually of wax, though royal and papal seals were sometimes impressed in metal such as lead, or even gold. Such metal impressions were called bullæ. (This word is the origin of the expression ‘papal bull’, referring to a sealed letter from the pope.) Seal impressions were not directly attached to their documents, but hung from them on small strips of parchment or (for persons of high rank) silk threads.

ESS-A3AA61 Seal Matrix

TREASURE CASE: 2008 T233 Medieval silver seal matrix with roman intaglio. Weight 5.92 British Museum Report: A Medieval seal matrix, which is oval in shape and set at its centre with a orange-red carnelian, representing an ant climbing on a piece of vegetation. The legend reads: + S I G I L : S E C R E T I (Latin for “Secret Seal”) On the reverse is the suspension loop, which terminates in a trefoil. The intaglio is classical and probably dates to the 1st to 3rd centuries. The motif is quite unusual, although ants and other insects are sometimes represented on Classical gems. There are similarities between the body of the insect and Henig 712, and a possible dragonfly represented on Henig 713 (not illustrated). Henig 711 shows an ant of similar type but from above rather than in profile. (Henig, M. 1978. A corpus of Roman engraved gemstones from British Sites. BAR British Series 8). Dimensions: length 22 mm, width 18 mm. The seal matrix is silver and dates from the thirteenth century; as such it qualifies as Treasure under the terms of the Treasure Act 1996. J P Robinson Curator of Medieval Collections 18th August 2008

Subsequent actions

Current location of find: Acquired by Colchester & Ipswich Museum Service

Chronology

Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Date from: AD 1200
Date to: AD 1300

Dimensions and weight

Length: 22 mm
Width: 18 mm
Weight: 5.92 g
Quantity: 1

Materials and construction

Primary material: Silver

Secondary material: Gem

Manufacture method: Multiple

Completeness: Complete

 

Stunning c13thC medieval silver seal matrix - Crossed hands and flowers - reported as treasure to museum

Lombardic lettering - Edward type E's and barred A's.

Appears to be be

"Esto Fidelis", which means 'be faithful'

 

Stunning Circa 13thC 'bust of christ' medieval seal matrix - working on inscription

MARTT NUE :PEVOSM

 

Medieval seal matrix - ESS-26B3A7

Dates
  MEDIEVAL (Certain), 1200 AD - 1400 AD

Object Type: Seal Matrix
  Medieval (1200-1400) cast copper alloy circular seal matrix with faceted handle on reverse. The handle has six facets and a raised moulded collar before terminating in a pentagonal suspension loop. The matrix has a forward facing halo'd Christ with a cross in the halo. The surrounding legend possibly reads: MARTIN LE (or DE) (P)REVOST probably meaning Martin the provost of a religious house.

It has a dark green-brown patina. It is 23.70mm long, 18.57mm in diameter and weighs 9.93 grams.
  Inscription: MARTIN LE (or DE) (P)REVOST

 

ESS-0F1F33 Seal Matrix

13th C bronze Vessica seal matrix - 31.48mm H x 18.48mm wide - 8.45g

Script - NOLONIM ESDARI : U

Medieval (13th to 14th Century) cast copper alloy vessical seal matrix. The reverse has a central ridge along its length, with an integral loop at its apex. The matrix depicts a central standing figure, with hands clasped in front. The surrounding legend reads + NO HONI MESDONRI:' The matrix has a dark green patina. It is 31.75mm long, 18.22mm wide, 5.1mm thick and weighs 8.32 grams.

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Finder applying for an export licence

Chronology

Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL

Period to: MEDIEVAL

Date from: Circa AD 1200
Date to: Circa AD 1400

Dimensions and weight

Length: 31.75 mm
Width: 18.22 mm
Thickness: 5.1 mm
Weight: 8.32 g
Quantity: 1

Materials and construction

Primary material: Copper alloy

Manufacture method: Cast

Completeness: Complete

13thC vessica seal matrix

It's our old friend CREDE MICHI -- "believe me" -- i.e. you can believe what is written beneath this seal as being genuine. The lettering is not perfect however! I'd transcribe CREDE [M]IChI. -- possible that the letter before the final C is meant to be MI ligatured, but if so, it's been bungled!

Keep 'em coming -- and, ideally, nice easy ones like this!

regards,

Malcolm

13thC medieval seal matrix

Image of


Jesus or possibly the Virgin Mary holding a staff topped by a cross

Tiny Medieval seal matrix - sent off for our seal expert Malcolm views

Medieval seal matrix - owl in a tree

Medieval seal matrix - Birds head

Obv * VANAVA

Medieval seal matrix - fox facing right

Needs more cleaning yet

Legend PRIVE SV

Medieval seal matrix - cleaning in order to take a wax impression

 

By my count on the database there are 4 boars' heads coouped with legend CREDE MICHI, 2 with PRIVE/PREVE SV, 1 LEGE TEGE and 1 "IE SV CEI IEL" [which must be IE SV SEL LEL] -- if you orient it so that the head is exactly horizontal, you'll see the "New Readers start here" star exactly at 12 o'clock where it should be, and then one of the few letters I can make out is the prominent V -- exactly where it should be for PRIVE/PREVE  and I think I can see the following SV ... BUT! the lettering seems to continue, so if it is PRIVE SV or PREVE SV, there must be another word or two after that, e.g. E LEL (and loyal/faithful) which I think does sometimes occur as an extension of the simple PRIVE SV -- I'm not saying yours DOES say E LEL -- merely quoting that as an example!

Malcolm

Medieval seal matrix - Madonna and child impression

Detail is cleaning up nicely

Medieval seal matrix - pendant type

*DEVM +IVM (Fear of god)

2- 15thC seal matrix - Jewish symbol

Anonymous: letter I early 15thC. An initial with crown above, branches at the side, was a design that became incrreasingly common in the 15thC and was often used on a signet ring as below. The letter suggests it stood for the owners forename. This example was used in 1424 by Edward Saddler, clerk

Seal ring of Edward Saddler

More medieval seal matrix used by Edward Saddler

Medieval bronze seal ring - bearded figure sitting - 2.70g, 18.86 mm dia x 9.62 mm W

 

 

Medieval traders seal rings

13th C seal matrix

Medieval Knights Templar finger ring - matrix

Founded in Jerusalem in 1118 by Hugo de Payns and eight other French knights, with the name of Poor Knights of Christ. Their mission was to protect pilgrims who came to the Holy Places. Later, the king of Jerusalem, Baldwin II, installed them in the near the ancient temple of Solomon palace, so they changed their name to the Knights Templar. During the time of the Crusades, the Templars actively participated in the defense of Palestine, which had many strengths. At the same time they acted as bankers pilgrims, so they obtained great wealth. Being expelled the Christians of Palestine, the Templars retreated to Cyprus. In the Iberian peninsula they were established during the twelfth century; first in Catalonia, Aragon and Navarra. They were responsible for the defense of the borders and participated in numerous expeditions against the Muslims (conquest of Lleida, Tortosa, Valencia, Mallorca, etc.). On the death of Alfonso the Battler were named heirs, along with other military orders, the kingdom of Aragon; in exchange for his resignation inheritance received various strengths. All this contributed to the economic and social dominance of the Templars were ever increasing, so that in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries owned large estates in the eastern part of the peninsula. In the castellanoleonés kingdom they were established shortly after Aragon, also collaborating in the task of Recapture. Alfonso VII gave them the strength of Calatrava; They collaborated in making Cuenca, in the famous battle of Las Navas de Tolosa (1212) and the conquest of Seville. In France, the Templars had become bankers of kings. Philip IV the Fair, dedicated to seize their property, convinced Pope Clement V that initiate a process against the Templars, accusing them of impiety (1307). The Grand Master of the Order, Jacques de Molay, and 140 members were arrested. Presumed innocent at the Council of Vienne (1311), Clement V dissolved the order and created a commission to reeprendió the process. They were sentenced to prison, but the royal council of Philip IV sentenced to death by relapses. The king seized their chattels and gave his possessions to the hospital. In the other European countries did not prosper the allegations but, following the dissolution of the order, the Templars were dispersed and their property passed to the Crown (Castilla), other orders new foundation (Montesa in Valencia and Jesus Christ in Portugal).

This early 13thC Medieval seal matrix is a superb example and is very unusual having a seal matrix on both ends. One end has a shield with lombardic script around the outside and the other has 2 letters
13th/14thC seal matrix - impression looks like a frog or toad (c)
12thC seal matrix. The clay impression clearly shows a falcon attacking a bird lying on it's back
13thC seal matrix, lamb with legs tucked underneath
Stunning condition 13th to 15thC seal matrix
13th to 15thC seal matrix - 2 people facing with heart in the middle

 

Lead Seal Matrix

 

1260 AD Non Heraldic personal seal of freeholders of Charwelton Nothhamptonshire. 4 have been found attached to pasture rights. The design is typical of mid 13thC non heraldic seals like the one published on the 23rd Jan post, a fleur -de- lis, a flower, the lamb of god and each names it's owner on the legend

 

Medieval (13th century) lead alloy seal matrix. It is circular in plan, with a small triangular suspension loop on the reverse. The central design is a flower with six petals. The legend is illegible. It is 27.52mm in diameter and weighs 11.26 grams.

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Finder applying for an export licence

Chronology

Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL

Date from: AD 1200
Date to: AD 1400

Dimensions and weight

Weight: 11.56 g
Diameter: 27.52 mm
Quantity: 1

Materials and construction

Primary material: Lead

Manufacture method: Cast

 

ESS-0C2DF2 Seal Matrix

Medieval, circular, lead seal matrix. The matrix has a central 6 petalled flower design, surrounded by the legend +SIGIL.RICARDI.FILL.RAVVLI 'The seal of Richard, son of Ravvli'. The reverse has an integrally cast suspension loop, and a central raised six petalled flower, surrounded by curved lines. It is 32.75mm in diameter, 4.39mm thick excluding the suspesion loop and weighs 24.56g.

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Finder applying for an export licence

Chronology

Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL

Period to: MEDIEVAL

Date from: Circa AD 1300
Date to: Circa AD 1500

Dimensions and weight

Thickness: 4.39 mm
Weight: 24.56 g
Diameter: 32.75 mm
Quantity: 1

Materials and construction

Primary material: Lead

Manufacture method: Cast

Completeness: Complete

Seal of RICARD I. DE

Huge lead hanging seal matrix - circa 15thC

Partial legend

Circa 13thC Medieval lead seal matrix

+ S'IOhA (short for S[igillum] Iohannis)

Medieval (13th century) lead alloy seal matrix. It is circular in plan. The central design is a flower with six petals.

Medieval (13th century) lead alloy seal matrix with complete supsension loop - Fleur de Lis

First 13thC pasture seal type seal matrix I have seen with this type of suspension loop

Stunningly crisp 13thC lead vessica seal matrix

S'ALICIE ALDWINE

Seal of Alicie Aldwine

13thC lead vessica seal matrix
First lead circa 13thC medieval bell shaped seal matrix I have seen Circa 1260 AD lead personal seal , 4 have been found attached to pasture rights. The design is typical of mid 13thC non heraldic seal
Circa 1260 AD lead personal seal , 4 have been found attached to pasture rights. The design is typical of mid 13thC non heraldic seals Circa 1260 AD lead personal sea
1260 AD Non Heraldic personal seal of freeholders, 4 have been found attached to pasture rights. The design is typical of mid 13thC non heraldic seals and part legend reads : AVDERTI:D 13thC lead seal matrix - ROGER
13thC lead seal matrix 13thC lead seal matrix
13thC lead seal matrix 1260 AD Non Heraldic lead personal seal
Medieval seal matrix
c 13thC Medieval seal matrix
Medieval seal matrix 20.22m dia , 9.34g
Early Medieval seal matrix - bell type

a.5 [the most interesting one!] I call this type of dragon a 'cockatrice', and there is a close parallel both as to device and legend on the PAS -- IHS-65F414. Yours appears to me to read IE SV NVLSCEL. The last word 'ought to be' NVTEL [nonesuch] 

Malcolm

13thC Medieval bronze seal matrix - sacrifical lamb impression

Legend CVNVL*CEL *

ESS-26D793 Seal Matrix

Incomplete Medieval cast copper alloy seal matrix. The matrix is circular with a broken faceted handle on the reverse. The design is of a lamb with flag. The surrounding legend reads *--SVNVLEGEL, which could be read as [....]SV NV LE GEL, or the ending could be LEGE L, as Lege (read) is often a componant of inscriptions. The central design of a lamb with flag is often accompanied by the inscription ECCE AGNUS DEI, although that is not the case with that example. It is 17.19mm in diameter, 8.77mm thick and weighs 4.61 grams.

Notes:

With thanks to Laura Burnett and David Williams for their interpretation of the legend.

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Finder applying for an export licence

Chronology

Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL

Date from: AD 1200
Date to: AD 1400

Dimensions and weight

Thickness: 8.77 mm
Weight: 4.61 g
Diameter: 17.19 mm
Quantity: 1

Materials and construction

Primary material: Copper alloy

Manufacture method: Cast

Completeness: Incomplete

 

Medieval bronze vessica seal matrix - crow impression facing left
Medieval seal matrix - appears to be an impression of a squirrel facing right
15thC traders seal matrix - IR inscription

Fantastic circa 13thC Medieval seal matrix with heraldic shield impression - this seal is first I have seen with additional decoration on the 'bell' top

It will be interesting if we can find the family crest and who it belonged to

Ok, here is my best guess.

I believe the seal to be a second son or brother of Richard de Pevensey.

Clearly there is a Chevron, which looks fretty to me, between 3 crosses, which looks, especially if you look at the bottom one closely, to be moline. (another source lists his crosses as recercelee or patonce or flory). The crosses seem to work.

Here is a link to the seal of Tho. Berkeley, which shows a Chevron which is not fretty.
http://www.earlyblazon.com/briantimm...rkeleythom.htm

The problem is that this shield has "overall a bend (or bendlet) (color?). ( To accurately describe this shield for a novice like myself, I would need to know colors everything were.) The BEND, or that diagonal line confused me for a second at first until I realized that since it is an impression, the bend does go in the proper direction when stamped. The bend is NOT on Richard de Pevensey's shield, but I could attribute that to just a one step add on for a close relative (brother or second son).


Richard de Pevensey (aka Pevense, Peves, Pevenkskey) was the Sheriff of Sussex from at least 1285-1287. (one source said he was the 13th and 15th sheriff of Sussex, and another said he was 14th and 15th Sheriff of Sussex. Richard was also the Steward to Queen Eleanor (while she was imprisoned??)., and it looks as though he held other important positions. Some of the things I read spoke about miscarriages of justice he may have committed.

He was born around 1229 and was skulking around until at least 1305, although I suspect he was around a bit longer. He was the third husband to Isabel Montachute (Montague), married in 1278 and she died in 1285. I can't find any information about them having any children together, or any information about any past or future marriages he may have had, which makes my "Second Son" theory for him pretty weak. He could easily have had children when he was younger though.

Anyway, that is my best GUESS. The others I saw that were close were not as close as this Richard.

Herald's Roll part 6

"254 Richard de Pevenese
Azure a chevron or fretty gules between three crosses moline argent "

Dering Roll part 3

"111 Ricard de Pevenese
Azure a chevron or fretty gules between three crosses moline argent
Richard de Pevensey, who also appears in The Heralds' Roll, HE254"

Cal Jim

 

Cleaned up medieval seal matrix, the impression appears to be two birds mating ?

Legend *CREDE MICHI II

 

 

 

 

 

13thc Vessica seal matrix - Sacificial lamb of god - ECCEAG NVS DEI

 

 

c13thC Medieval seal matrix - sacrificial lamb type

C13thC Medieval vessica seal matrix - appears to be a prancing Lion - soaking it in distilled water to clean up impression

 

   
  • 14thC Medieval heraldic seal matrix - plain shield with single fesse

    Tamas de Kent ?

    Mint 13thC vessica seal matrix

    Lamb and tree of life

    S' ROGER' ( seal of Roger)

    ALEE ODOC

    Prior to the fifteenth century pointed oval designs, called vesica seals, were popular with noble women and also with high ranking ecclesiastics. The shape allowed room either to depict a full length standing figure of the owner, or alternatively to show scenes at two levels. Monastic seals often used the latter device, with a main, upper register depicting the monastery’s patron saint, and a small lower register in which the prior or abbot was shown praying. By the fifteenth century, vesica seals were somewhat out of fashion, but they still occur on documents, because monasteries in particular tended to continue using seal matrices made years - or sometimes centuries - earlier.

    13th C Medieval seal matrix - need soaking to remove crust on seal face

    13thC Vessica seal matrix

    can't make out the central device on this vesica seal but I read IE SV [SEL DA]MVR LEL [the common "I am a seal of loyal love"] -- common on the later circular matrices

    Malcolm

     

    Medieval seal matrix - Cockerel impression
    17thc seal matrix - thistle inscription

    Human face on a rat's body impression?

    13thC Medieval seal matrix

    13thC seal matrix

    Anonymous: letter R An initial with crown above, branches at the side, was a design that became incrreasingly common in the 15thC and was often used on a signet ring. The letter suggests it stood for the owners forename. Examples were used in 1424 by Edward Saddler, clerk.

     
     

    13th C bronze Vessica seal matrix - needs a soak and pick to clean legend and impression

    Now partially cleaned up shows a sacrificial lamb type impression

    Medieval seal matrix

    Simply stunning cleaned up 13thC vessiaca seal matrix with wax impression taken - Madonna and child

    + AVE TIR TAG R

    ACIA PLENA (full of (gr)ace)

     

    Unusually small medieval bell shaped seal matrix - needs cleaning to see impression

    circa 13thC seal matrix

    This is a squirrel and I think it's 'the usual' I CRAKE NOTIS -- [I crack nuts]

    Malcolm

     

    Stunning 13thC seal matrix

    Triple dot makers mark

    + I'IR DIG ' ZTOEC H ' II 'R'

    13thC medieval seal matrix - letter W indicates traders initial

    First shield shaped 12thC seal matrix I have seen found here - got to clean it up and do a wax impression yet

    A copper alloy matrix with shield-shaped face and six-sided handle terminating in a rhomboid suspension loop with circular perforation. Device of a heraldic lion rampant

    This shield-shaped matrix bears a heraldic lion rampant; does not imply that the owner used such a lion as his arms or, indeed, that he bore arms at all; many such matrices carry heraldic creatures.

    Date from: AD 1200
    Date to: AD 1400

    13thC vessica seal matrix

    Interesting impression of an open hand with two stars above reaching for a closed fist

    Legend - EDEVM * TIMET

    Medieval seal matrix

    13thC medieval seal matrix

    13thC seal matrix

    pretty sure this 4-leaf clover reads -- as 9 others of the same device on the PAS do -- LEL AMI AVET [you have a faithful 'friend' i.e. lover]

    Malcolm

    13thC seal matrix with winged bird looking left impression - mad beak and eye

    13thC seal matrix - needs a good clean up to ID yet

     

    13thC seal matrix - clasped hands impression

    S'BES VSV - Seal of BES VSV

    Medieval seal matrix

    a.6 another squirrel and this time the legend is definitely the common I CRAKE NOTIS [I crack nuts]

    Malcolm

    13thC medieval vessica seal matrix - needs cleaning up to take impression

    2 birds with central sword

    Anonymous: letter I early 15thC. An initial with crown above, branches at the side, was a design that became incrreasingly common in the 15thC and was often used on a signet ring as below. The letter suggests it stood for the owners forename. This example was used in 1424 by Edward Saddler, clerk

    Medieval seal matrix

    Medieval vessica seal matrix

    So AVICDE - Seal of avicde

    Uninscribed medieval seal matrix

    13thC copper vessica seal matrix - figure standing

    Medieval seal matrix - squirrel facing right

    Medieval religious mount - could even be a weird seal matrix design

    Inscribed TD

    Medieval seal matrix

    Jack rabbit facing right with long ears

    Legend IVEIS'V * CI

    Seal of Iveis

    Medieval seal matrix

    Spectacular Medieval seal ring - Madonna and child

    Medieval seal matrix

    Horse facing right

    c13thC Medieval seal matrix - bird facing left

    Extra large 13thC seal matrix - - sacrifical lamb impression

    The central design of a lamb with flag is often accompanied by the inscription ECCE AGNUS DEI, although that is not the case with that example.

    Very unusual to have a c13thC 'round type' medieval seal matrix with suspension loop. Normally the vessica type seals are suspension but round types are always bell type.

    13thC medieval seal matrix - rabbit surround by star of David -market traders seal

    13thC seal matrix

    Bird facing right with double long beak

    Legend PRIVE SV (I am private)

    Sent to our seal expert for his views

    It's another PRIVE SV, Chris. HAMP-EA9E0$ and SF-470BCD are particularly close with the upraised and spread wing. If you simple search "matrix bird PRIVE SV" you'll find parallels. In this case I found it was much clearer simply reversing the original than looking at the impression -- sometimes it's like that!

    regards,

    Malcolm

    Biggest medieval seal matrix I have seen dug

    The big impression looks the most promising for a reading. Pretty sure it begins with the usual    s'  for 'sigillum' then I think I see    Icha   which made me wonder whether this might be a Richard  -- but that definitely looks like the expected  's' before it and there seems to be no trace of an R. The next few letters look irrecoverable but the 2nd name/surname may end in  els

    Sorry -- can't win em all!

    Malcolm

     

    Medieval seal matrix - needs cleaning to reveal impression

    Medieval seal ring - Fleur de Lis

    13thC Medieval bronze seal matrix - sacrifical lamb impression

    The design is of a lamb with flag.

    Medieval lead seal

    Crude medieval lead seal matrix

    Medieval lead vessica seal matrix

    S'DR' W D R I N D

    Medieval vessica seal matrix - Bird facing right

     

    Click here for Post Medieval seals