SEALED WITH LOVE... This is the smallest Medieval Vesica seal I have found to date. I found this sweet little artefact last year.. Below is a copy of the report made by the P.A.S. A near complete and slightly abraded cast lead alloy vesica shaped seal matrix of medieval date (1200-1400). The seal matrix is sub-oval (oval with pointed ends) . On the reverse face of the seal is a vertical ridge which is expanded on the upper edge. This expansion is pierced with a single suspension loop - which is now broken . Apart from this rib the reverse of the matrix is plain and undecorated. The design on the front face of the matrix consists of a central motif with an inscription reading anti-clockwise (clockwise in the impression) around the edge. The central design is badly worn, from what survives it consists of a dove in flight holding a leaf (olive branch) in its mouth. The central element is contained within an incised border. The inscription is also worn and slightly corroded - it reads S[...]V[..] AMORIS - possibly SIGILLVM AMORIS (seal of love). The letters are well cut and evenly spaced suggesting care and skill, this can also be seen in the cutting of the central design which is well proportioned and elegant. The inscription is fairly typical of stock type personal seals of the 14th century. The seal is a mid yellow grey colour with a well formed but abraded patina that covers most surfaces. There are a number of areas of abrasion present to both faces of the seal; this has affected a small area of the inscription. Similar vesica shaped seals can be seen in the Salisbury Medieval Catalogue and are dated to the 13th and 14th Century (1200-1400). This date would fit in with the style of lettering in the inscription.
Posted on: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 18:32:30 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015