Code: 11425
This is a medieval bronze counter-seal, dating to the 15th century. It would have once belonged to a knight, bearing his arms. The armorial displays as 'A cross with a fleur-de-lys in each quarter' I have not been able to decipher any tinctures, making it harder to be more precise to the original owner. Around the arms is a possible inscription in blackletter script (but these are too worn for me to read). This is an original and rare armorial counter-seal, originally used in conjunction with a great-seal to add authentication to documents and land transactions. The counterseal was usually impressed on the back of a large wax seal.
OBJECT: Seal Matrice
CULTURE: Medieval
DATE: c. 1400 - 1500 A.D.
MATERIAL: Copper-alloy
SIZE: 21mm x 17mm
WEIGHT: 4.55 grams
PROVENANCE: Ex. Private Collection, Cambridge.
