Details

LOT 604

Medieval Silver 'SICILIE de ASK' Heraldic Seal Matrix Attributed to Cecily Herbert of Usk

1460-1499 AD

3/4" (4.42 grams, 18 mm).

An important circular cast silver personal heraldic seal matrix with raised rib and suspension loop to reverse; the central area bearing a shield of arms divided per fess on a cross-hatched background with Lombardic letter '*S SICILIE:DE:ASK.[foliage]' inscription; which can be transcribed for 'the seal of Cicely (or Cecily) of Usk'.

Provenance

From an important collection, acquired continental Europe 1958.

Footnotes

Cecily Herbert of Usk, Monmouthshire (born circa 1460, died 1499), was the daughter of Wiliam Herbert, Earl of Pembroke of Raglan Castle (a Yorkist supporter, died 27th July 1469 at the Battle of Edgecote, Northamptonshire; possibly beheaded after the battle). She married Sir John Greystock (13th January 1484) at the Chapel, Wressell Castle, Yorkshire but little else is known of her life.