Jewellery, Watches, Silver & Objects of Vertu

An early 14th century silver circular seal matrix, the hexagonal shaft surmounted by a trefoil suspension loop, with double collar below, stamped with three pellets punched behind for orientation, the seal face engraved with a shield bearing a stag’s head in profile, the field crosshatched and edged by an inscription in Lombardic lettering reading ‘s’oov hic ami brovthertov’ (Seal is a friend of Brotherton), dimensions: length 31mm, diameter 21mm. £1,000-£1,200

This seal matrix was found near Fingrith Hall, a settlement recorded in the Domesday book at Blackmore in Essex. An Augustinian Priory also existed here before its dissolution in 1525.

The surname Brotherton originates in North Yorkshire at the village of Brotherton. Thomas of Brotherton, 1st Earl of Norfolk (1300-1338) was the fifth son of Edward I. He was buried at the Abbey of Bury St Edmunds.