LOT 1579

Medieval 'Temple Bruer' Bronze Personal Seal Matrix of John of DUHTO with Templar Crosses

1200-1300 A.D.

1 in. (5.79 grams, 25 mm).

Of vesica shape and bearing the central device of a crouching squirrel with tail raised over its back and inscribed incuse and reversed +S'IO+h'IS+DE D+VhTO which may be interpreted as Seal of John of Duhto [an uncertain place or abbreviation of a place name]; the presence of multiple crosses within the inscription which do not appear to divide words is unusual; with raised loop to the reverse.

Found whilst searching with a metal detector in the former grounds of the preceptory at Temple Bruer with Temple High Grange, Lincolnshire, UK, by Steve Lane at 1pm on Sunday 5th February 2023.

Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme report reference SWYOR-17DA60.

See Linenthal, Richard and Noel, William, Medieval Seal Matrices in the Schøyen Collection, Manuscripts in the Schøyen Collection IV, Oslo, 2004, nos. 186-196 for examples of squirrels on seals.

Vesica-shaped seal matrices are often associated with the clergy or others with religious connections so this matrix could be directly associated with the Knights Templar preceptory at Temple Bruer (founded in reign of Henry II) where it was found, or with a Templar visitor there; the appearance of four crosses to the inscription, in place of the more usual single cross at the start/finish of the wording (in this case at the head of the squirrel), is unusual and may be linked to the particular significance of crosses to the Knights Templar members.