Ancient-Jewellery

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Web site: https://www.ancient-jewellery.com/

Exceptional Medieval Armorial Seal Matrice

£1,750.00 Approx $2206.81, €2042.01

Code: 10873



This is a superb medieval bronze armorial seal, dating to the 14th century. The seal is engraved with a set of arms in a richly cusped circle. The armorial displays as 'Noir, a paly of four bezants debruised by a riband vert'.  The seal is inscribed with the owner's name in a form of 'Lombardic' script of the mid 14th century. This reads to me as "S'E:G:ERAYDI:PROR:DE:YVIS'. This is identifiable as "The Seal of Gerald Prior of Yvis" This may be Yviers in France who seem to have a church of this date. The seal is of a 'chessman' type with a quatrefoil handle. These were extremely important objects to their owners, seldom misplaced or lost as credit cards are kept today. On the death of the owner, their seals were broken up and destroyed. This example is clearly intact and in perfect condition. Similar armorial seals have been recorded from Cambridge (SF-43A30C) and Northampton (IHS-0BB4C1).

OBJECT: Seal Matrice

CULTURE: Medieval

DATE: c. 14th century A.D.

MATERIAL: Bronze

SIZE: 25mm tall x 24mm diameter 

WEIGHT:  15.67 grams

PROVENANCE:  Ex J. Farrell Collection, Vermont. USA