Code: 13017
This is a rare medieval copper-alloy armorial seal, dating to the 13th - 14th century AD. The design is deeply cut, giving a crisp impression with a heater shield within an elaborate border. The seal is engraved in Lombardic lettering, reading to me as "SECRETI" Secret Seal?" The arms are complex and appear as "a lion rampant on a bordure of the eight Estoile." This is comparable to the arms borne by the Earls of Dunbar. The back of the seal also has an armorial signet that appears to represent the Carmelite arms. It is interesting to note that Patrick III, Earl of Dunbar, founded a Carmelite friary (monastery) in Dunbar in 1263. Although this seal was purchased in France it could have originated from Scotland as these small treasures are important and travel with their owners on diplomatic missions! It is an interesting seal that would benefit from further research.
OBJECT: Seal Matrix
CULTURE: Medieval
DATE: c. 1250 - 1350 AD
MATERIAL: Bronze
SIZE: 24mm tall x 18mm diameter, smaller signet 13mm dia
WEIGHT: 14.53 grams
PROVENANCE: From a private collection of seals from Troyes in France
