Copper Alloy Ecclesiastical Seal Matrix W/ British Royal Seal
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Item: Seal Matrix
Make: Great Britain
Age: Unknown (Possibly Medieval or Post-Medieval)
Construction: Cast Copper Alloy, Lead
Dimensions: 3 5/8" Long x 2 3/8" Wide x 5mm Thick
Condition: Good. Some wear to inscription on outer edge. Please see photos.
Details: Pointed oval incised or impressed with a low-relief center image of the British Royal seal, with the three ostrich plumes of the Prince of Wales over three lions rampant in a shield, surrounded by small fleurs de lis. A Latin inscription follows the outer edge, likely identifying the religious organization. The face of the matrix is an aged copper color with brighter metal at some points. The reverse appears to be roughly finished lead. A paper label originally attached to the back has a handwritten inscription "Monastic Seal Bought at the Bermondsey Market Southwark. Has 3 lions?"
These seal matrices were used in the Middle Ages and later to impress sealing wax on letters, documents, and packages. They were used by a variety of social levels, such as religious organizations, royal or noble households, farmers, and often women, to authenticate business documents and correspondence, or just to seal a document or package closed. Each matrix was unique, identifying its user, much like a signature. They came in various shapes and sizes, by everyone from goldsmiths to tinsmiths, and were manufactured by engraving. The term "matrix" is derived from the Latin word "mater", or mother, as the matrix would produce many seals during its use.