Bronze Arabic Seal Matrix Collection

Two-part, four-lobed seal with strap and tag above; obverse with heater shield bearing the arms of the City of London with legend to beaded border 'DE * LO[.]DI ONO' (from London); reverse with angel holding an orb with legend 'GLORIA * IN * EXCELSIS' (glory in the highest); accompanied by a letter from the British Museum, with attachments. 37.5 grams, 57 mm



From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968. Accompanied by the original Museum of London letter by Geoff Egan dated 3rd January 1979.

The item was identified by Geoff Egan (then on secondment from the Museum of London to the British Museum) in 1979 as a four-lobed cloth seal, of a type which had recently been found from a shipwreck off the coast of Norway. The likelihood is that the seal was issued by or in connection with Blackwell Hall, which had a near-monopoly on the cloth trade in 17th c. London. The significance of the angel motif and the motto were not known to Egan, and are still debated.

Barrel-shaped with inscribed foliage, floral motifs and vesica panel with standing figure; inscribed 'AMER ET IEOIR' (translating to 'LOVE AND ENJOY'). 8.34 grams, 22.12 mm overall, 18.35 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



Private collection, Arundel, West Sussex, UK, 1975-late 1990s.

Ellipsoid with reserved profile female bust, hair dressed in a chignon. 1.18 grams, 17 mm



Private collection, England.