Description:

Northwestern Europe, England, late Medieval Period, ca. 13th to 14th century CE. This is a lovely 94.6% sterling silver vesica shaped stamp seal deeply engraved with monograph cipher with the initials "LH" surrounded by ornamental foliage and scrolling shapes. The handle is decorative with scrolling vines and flowers forming 3 suspension loops, with a spherical finial. Vesica shaped stamps were most often used by women and clergy, and such seals were invaluable for people of wealth, commerce, and political importance. When the owner died, their seal was often destroyed to prevent any unauthorized signatures on documents - hence the scarcity of medieval seals! This example is in excellent and near pristine condition. Size: 0.75" Diameter x 1.125" H (1.9 cm x 2.9 cm); silver quality: 94.6%; weight 7.6 grams

Provenance: private Boynton Beach, Florida, USA collection; ex-private London, UK collection

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#174610

  • Condition: Rubbing and softening to handle motifs. Minor surface wear commensurate with age, otherwise intact and excellent. Stamp face is sharp and clear.

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October 9, 2022 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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