Medieval bronze armorial seal of Sir John Balliert

This is a very rare medieval bronze armorial seal, dating to the late 15th century. The design is deeply cut, giving a crisp impression with a heater shield emblazoned with a crest and great helm. The owner of the seal is named in Black lettering as "S'Iohen ballilert" Seal of John Balliert. The great helm is surmounted by a crest of a wyverns head or that of a Hare. The arms appear "as eight mullets of six points, with a label of five points" (one point hidden beneath the helm?)  The seal is of a chessman handle, pierced for suspension. It is a handsome looking seal with a nice patina. Indispensable for business, personal seals and signet rings were used to authenticate legal and financial transactions.

OBJECT: Seal Matrice

CULTURE: Medieval

DATE: c. 1450 - 1500 AD

MATERIAL: Bronze

SIZE: 28.40mm tall x 22.65mm diameter

WEIGHT: 16.75 grams

PROVENANCE: From a private collection, Paris. France.