Circa 15th century AD. A very large chessman style seal matrix with delicately pierced quatrefoil beneath the suspension loop and a balustered hexagonal shaft; the circular face depicting a crested helm and a shield of arms bearing 'a chevron between three martlets, differenced with a mullet' arms and with the inscription IOHAN BRIDSALE in black letter script.

PROVENANCE:
Ex Brian Northley collection.

FOOTNOTES:
Bridsale is linked to Birdsall, Yorkshire and the arms are those of the Argam (Argomm) family (undifferenced of Sir Ralph Argam) so this seal is likely to be for a son of the family who became associated with Birdsall. John de Birstalle (1373 AD) of Normanton, Yorkshire may also be connected.