Details

LOT 0351

English Medieval Silver Seal Matrix for Harvey, Rector of the Church of Swainsthorpe Magna

EARLY 15TH CENTURY A.D.

1 in. (5.29 grams, 24 mm).

An ellipsoid seal matrix with a strap to the reverse; incuse motif of crowned Mary seated on a throne with infant Jesus; legend to the edge within pelletted borders '*hERVIV’ ECC[’]E SWINThORPE’ MA’ (Harvey, rector of the church of Great Swainsthorpe); later replacement loop to the verso.

Provenance

The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s.
Found near the site of the church of Saint Mary in October 2002.
Recorded with Norwich Castle Museum, retained for consideration as Treasure and subsequently returned to the finder.
Matrix Collection catalogue no.1036.
Many of the seals within the collection were published in a book titled 'The Matrix Collection', by David Morris in 2012.

Accompanied by a copy of the illustrated collection notes.
Accompanied by a copy of Norwich Castle Museum record slip no.9724 SWAINSTHORPE (G. Linton m/d Oct 02).
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11655-198742.

Footnotes

The village of Swainsthorpe is situated in Norfolk, some few miles to the south of Norwich and once boasted two churches (one now ruined).

Recorded and assessed by the Secretary of State’s Expert Adviser as an object of cultural interest. The RCEWA reviewed an export application and determined that it meets the third Waverley criterion, making it currently non-exportable.