King's Head Seal
King's Head Seal, Image & Found by Colin Stott.
Found in Somerset, 24mm.
King's head, Lombardic script in annulus around // undeciphered design, Lombardic script in annulus around
The king's head is of the same style as that pertrayed on the coins of Edward I onwards and the inscription is in the same plain Lombardic lettering.
There rust stained holes on the edge are a strong indication that wire rather than cord was used for attachment purposes. The overall impression from the structure of the seal is of a 19th century, bulla-type, bagseal but the markings suggest medieval. The double slot for the binding to pass through is suggestive of a modern bagseal unlike the single wide slot from the older bulla seals.
Does anyone know if medieval documents or goods were sealed with these double slot bulla seals? If not then it would appear that this is a post-industrial revolution seal making use of a medieval style.
The inscription should help but I have only been able to make out (?NI)...(?ARRB).REX + on the first side and nothing for certain on the other.
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