Code: 12469
This original medieval vesica-shaped seal dates to the late 13th to early 14th century AD. The seal is deeply cut with a Peregrine falcon, perched upon a gloved hand. The artist must have been familiar with this bird as the detail of the feathering has been well engraved. Only the top half of a glove can be seen - since, on the owner's death, the seal was deliberately broken to prevent further use. We still have enough remaining to state this seal once belonged to a falconer. The legend is in Lombardic script and reads as +S'FALCON...........CEn.Can. The owner of this seal has not been fully researched but would appear to have been owned by a wealthy aristocrat who was a serious falconer - "Master Falconer of the King" as a title first appeared in 1250 and going through a list of Grand Falconers we find a certain Jean Candavenes in 1317 that fits with the date of the seal. However, with no known armorial devices present, we can't be certain as to an exact match. The seal is in good excavated condition with a nice patina, a fine piece worthy of further research!
OBJECT: Seal Matrice
CULTURE: Medieval
DATE: c. 13th - 14th century AD
MATERIAL: Bronze
SIZE: 31.3mm x 25.6mm x 6.9mm
WEIGHT: 12.50 grams
PROVENANCE: Ex. Private Collection, Troyes, France
