Image: Medieval impression seal matrix (impression) (FindID 497093)

Description: A cast copper-alloy seal matrix of medieval date (14th century AD). The matrix is of circular form with a low, central, longitudinal ridge on the reverse that terminates in a semi-circular suspension loop whose perforation is 3.0mm in diameter. The die features a central motif surrounded by a impersonal legend; both are surrounded by beaded borders. The legend reads '* ALLAS : IE : SV : PRIYS', (translated): 'Alas, I am caught/taken', a common legend (see for example Harvey and McGuiness 1996, 89; ref. 82). The central device depicts a bird taking a smaller bird with a talon to the back, craning its neck to envelope the head and attack it with its beak. The birds' feathers are defined through fine incisions, with intermittent lines denoting the shorter neck and body feathers. Behind the larger bird is a sprig of foliage with three leaves, the outer of which splay outwards. This matrix has an even dark-grey patina and survives well.
Title: Medieval impression seal matrix (impression)
Credit: https://finds.org.uk/database/ajax/download/id/376682 Catalog: https://finds.org.uk/database/images/image/id/376682/recordtype/artefacts archive copy at the Wayback Machine Artefact: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/497093
Author: Winchester Museums Service, Robert Webley, 2012-04-05 15:42:06
Permission: Attribution-ShareAlike License
Usage Terms: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0
License: CC BY-SA 2.0
License Link: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0
Attribution Required?: Yes