Cloth Seal, Commonwealth, Cockerel

Cloth Seal, Commonwealth, Cockerel, Image & Found by Steven Leckey.
Found in North Lincolnshire, near Scotter, 15mm.

Blank // St George cross (?on ornate saltire) // cockerel on bow-like base, 5 7 to sides // blank

Assuming the date to be 1657 this is a Commonwealth (?alnage) seal with an interesting combination of the cross of St George and possibly the saltire cross of St Andrew. This combination was first used by James VI of Scotland when he became James I of England. "On 12 April 1606, a new flag to represent this regal union between England and Scotland was specified in a royal decree, according to which the flag of England (a red cross on a white background, known as St George's Cross), and the flag of Scotland (a white saltire on a blue background, known as the Saltire or St Andrew's Cross), would be joined together, forming the flag of England and Scotland for maritime purposes. King James also began to refer to a "Kingdom of Great Britaine", although the union remained a personal one" Wikipedia.

From Rod Blunt, "The impression depicting a cock is unlikely to be from an official stamp of the Commonwealth, particularly as it had banned cock-fighting. The presence of a bow below the cock suggests that the device might be a rebus for the name ‘Bowcock’. Turning to the second impression, I am sceptical about the description ‘saltire’ and the suggestion that this represents St Andrew’s cross.
I would be more inclined to describe the device as a plain cross with a foliate ornament in each angle. In view of the foregoing, I’m not sure that there is a convincing case for identifying it as an alnage seal. It is certainly a cloth seal, and the proposed date of 1657, within the Commonwealth period, is very probably correct, but any direct link to the state is very tenuous. The only potential link is that the plain cross might be associated with the cross of Saint George used on the Commonwealth arms. However, it is shown in a circle rather than on a shield, lacks the stippling indicating colour (as found on coins of the period), and has ornaments in the angles, which would change its heraldic interpretation." This interpretation has been accepted as being much more probable.

See BSG.CS.00030 for an alnages seal from Suffolk with a Cockerel on it.

See Lakenloodje met gewapende haan?, Bodemvondstenwereld for a clearer example.