Code: 12702
This is a very rare medieval bronze armorial seal, dating to the early to mid15th 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 (reading to me as) "Seel Pierie Le Rougepee" The seal of Sir Piere the Red Sword? The great helm is surmounted with a brush crest. This type of helmet is known as a Great Bascient, worn over a helmet and would be high-ranking military combat helm. The original owner may have been a mercenary or sword for hire, especially during the period of the Hundred Years War The seal is intact along with traces of the original button suspension loop on the back, for attachment to a chain of office. Rare to find and all original and unresearched from the Calais region of France. During this period this area was English-held disputed territory but could also have connections with Burgundy or Flanders! Indispensable for business, personal seals and signet rings were used to authenticate legal and financial transactions.
OBJECT: Seal Matrice
CULTURE: Medieval
DATE: c. 1400 - 1450 AD
MATERIAL: Bronze
SIZE: 31mm diameter x 4.3mm thick
WEIGHT: 25.35 grams
PROVENANCE: From a private collection, Calais. France.
