Medieval

Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid. A Medieval bronze seal matrix relating to the De Pottes family, a powerful Medieval lineage known to have ruled the strategic Franco-Flemish border until the 1400's. Members of the De Pottes family participated in the 1st and 4th Crusade and Baltic Crusades (Battle of Tannenberg). The circular seal face is finely engraved with a heraldic shield containing crossed tools or implements, with a Fleur-de-Lis above. The coat of arms is surrounded by a beaded border and an inscription: S'(Sigillum) PID (Philippe) DE POTTES. -> The grip is only partially preserved. In the Middle Ages, it was common for a personal seal matrix to be destroyed or deliberately put out of use after the death of its owner. This was done to prevent the seal from being used fraudulently to authenticate documents. A seal could be decommissioned by breaking off the handle or grip, or by defacing the engraved seal surface itself. -> The presence of the family name in the inscription makes this seal especially interesting, as it links the object to a named medieval lineage. Seal matrices of this type are valuable historical objects because they combine heraldry, personal identity, and documentary practice in one compact artefact. The exact branch of the De Pottes family to which this heraldic device may relate has not been specifically researched by us; this could be a subject for further heraldic and genealogical study. Diameter: ± 24,8 mm Condition: Good solid condition with crisp deep engravings and partial grip. The seal design and inscription remain clearly visible. Smooth and dark olive-green patina with minor surface irregularities and signs of wear consistent with age and use. See images. Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request for all lots with a hammer price of €100 or higher. -> Medieval seal matrices were used to impress a design into wax, creating a personal or official mark of authentication. They served an important role in legal, commercial, and private documents, especially at a time when written signatures were not yet used in the modern sense. -> Heraldic seals often displayed a family coat of arms or identifying emblem. Such seals were closely connected to identity, lineage, property, and authority, and could be used by noble families, officials, clergy, merchants, and landowners.

Estimate:$280.05

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