Medieval & Later — Seal Matrix
Seal matrices were used throughout the medieval and later periods to authenticate documents, mark ownership and express personal, religious or heraldic identity. This section includes bronze, silver and lead examples ranging from simple personal devices to finely engraved stamper-type matrices with inscriptions, animals, devotional motifs and heraldic symbols. These artefacts offer insight into literacy, administration and personal expression across the Middle Ages.
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SILVER
WMA 10877 — Post Medieval Silver Seal Matrix
A very good quality solid silver stamper‑type seal matrix with oval base, tapered hexagonal handle and trefoil suspension loop. The base engraved with an arm clad in armour, holding a sword. 17th–18th century. North Yorkshire. 14 mm x 12 mm base, 24 mm high.
£175.00
BRONZE
WMA 8855 — Medieval Bronze Stamper Seal Matrix
An elaborate bronze stamper‑type seal matrix. Inscribed S' IOH'IS DE MORLEY HOS (Seal of John de Morley, Usher). The centre shows a shield of arms set on a tressure of three Gothic arches with tracery alternating with three plain arches. The shield depicts two buckled straps in saltire with a star in each angle. 18.3 g. Circa 14th century. East Yorkshire. 24 mm diameter, 27 mm high.
Suspension loop incomplete.
The post of hostiarius (usher) is described in medieval sources as a doorkeeper of minor orders, later part of the hanaper. The arms likely relate to the religious house where John de Morley served.
£585.00
WMA 10021 — Medieval Bronze Circular Seal Matrix
A very good quality bronze circular seal matrix. Inscribed * S' ALANIHERT. The centre shows a stag’s head facing. 13th–14th century. Lincolnshire. 22 mm diameter.
The seal of Alan Hert; the stag’s head represents hunting.
£195.00
WMA 8117 — Medieval Bronze Circular Seal Matrix
A very good quality bronze circular seal matrix. Inscribed * VERITAS NO VERITA GGVL'. The centre shows a squirrel inside an eight‑pointed star (Star of Redemption or Regeneration). 13th–14th century. Lincolnshire. 19 mm diameter.
£185.00
WMA 8854 — Medieval Bronze Stamper Seal Matrix
A good quality bronze stamper‑type seal matrix. Inscribed * ALAS BOWLES (believed to be a medieval hunting cry). The centre shows a stag facing left. Circa 14th century. West Yorkshire. 20.3 mm diameter, 24.4 mm high.
Complete.
£185.00
WMA 6341 — Medieval Bronze Stamper Seal Matrix
A good quality bronze stamper‑type seal matrix. Inscribed * IESVS MERCI. The centre shows a stag with a cross in its antlers — the emblem of Saint Hubert, patron of huntsmen and healer of hydrophobia. 13th–14th century. 19 mm diameter, 26 mm high.
£155.00
WMA 9948 — Medieval Bronze Stamper Seal Matrix
A good quality bronze stamper‑type seal matrix inscribed with IHC in the centre and EST AMOR MEV around (“Jesus is my love”). 13th–14th century. Found near Oakham, Rutland. 19 mm diameter, 23 mm high.
£155.00
WMA 8506 — Medieval Bronze Stamper Seal Matrix
A circular bronze stamper‑type seal matrix with inscription around a central design of a hand holding a sword striking a bishop’s mitre, with crescent and star either side — probably symbolising the assassination of Thomas Becket. Circa 14th century. Cambridgeshire. 16.5 mm diameter, 24 mm high.
£120.00
WMA 8595 — Medieval Bronze Stamper Seal Matrix
A bronze stamper‑type seal matrix inscribed * CEOVAIDEAI. The centre shows a cockerel walking left. 14th century. 16.5 mm diameter, 22 mm high.
£145.00
WMA 6203 — Medieval Bronze Stamper Seal Matrix
An unusual bronze stamper‑type seal matrix. Inscribed IOLIZSVI. The centre shows an eagle‑headed mythical animal with three‑pronged tail. 13th–14th century. 15 mm diameter, 19 mm high.
£145.00
WMA 6088 — Medieval Bronze Stamper Seal Matrix
A good quality bronze stamper‑type seal matrix. Inscribed * IRIVHSV. The centre shows an eagle with outstretched wings and head turned left. 13th–14th century. 16 mm diameter.
£145.00
WMA 5689 — Medieval Bronze Stamper Seal Matrix
A bronze stamper‑type seal matrix inscribed * DEIVNSVX. The centre shows a stag standing left. 13th–14th century. 17 mm diameter, 25 mm high.
£145.00
WMA 8352 — Medieval Bronze Stamper Seal Matrix
A very good quality bronze stamper‑type seal matrix. Inscribed * PRIVE SV (“Private seal”). The centre shows a long‑eared hare. Circa 14th century. 16 mm diameter, 18 mm high.
£135.00
WMA 8162 — Medieval Bronze Stamper Seal Matrix
A very good quality bronze stamper‑type seal matrix. Inscribed * PRIVE SVI : (“Private seal”). The centre shows a cross inside an eight‑armed circle. Circa 14th century. 16 mm diameter, 19 mm high.
£135.00
WMA 7183 — Medieval Bronze Stamper Seal Matrix
A very good quality bronze stamper‑type seal matrix with hexagonal stem and suspension loop. Inscribed * IESVSAL. The centre shows a fleur‑de‑lis. Circa 14th century. 16 mm diameter, 18 mm high.
£95.00
LEAD
WMA 5580 — Medieval Lead Vesica Seal Matrix
A lead vesica seal matrix with personal inscription around the edge; the centre shows a fleur‑de‑lis. 12th–14th century. 26 mm long.
£40.00
WMA 6776 — Medieval Lead Vesica Seal Matrix
A lead vesica seal matrix inscribed + S' hENR' FI' ONIS (“The seal of Henry son of Onis”). The centre shows an elongated fleur‑de‑lis. 12th–14th century. Yorkshire. 30 mm long.
Note reversed N’s, upside‑down L for F, and ONIS possibly a cutter’s error — read backwards as SIMON.
£45.00
WMA 9160 — Medieval Lead Vesica Seal Matrix
An unfinished lead vesica seal matrix. No inscription; the centre shows an elongated fleur‑de‑lis. The reverse is decorated with a prominent cross pommée and pierced stub handle. Circa 12th–14th century. Lincolnshire. 38.5 mm x 21 mm.
£45.00
For related Medieval material, see our Finger Rings & Brooches | Seal Matrix | Heraldic Mounts & Pendants | Strap Ends, Buckles & Leather Decorations | Keys & Locks | Pottery | Coin, Bullion & Trade Weights | Documents | Weaponry | Thimbles, Fasteners & Miscellaneous.
Additional seal matrices will be added to this section as new pieces become available. Please check back regularly for updates.