Ancient-Jewellery

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Medieval armorial counter-seal

SOLD

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.