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Seal Matrices with Screw-out Centres
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 08 January 2012
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The recent exhibition by Mr. Hunter Blair of the seal matrix of John de Levermonde or Learmouth, belonging to Mr. R. C. Bosanquet, affords an opportunity of putting together a few notes on a peculiar class of matrix of which that of John de Levermonde is an example. Their interest lies in the fact that the centre portion, on which is engraved the device, is made to screw out about an eighth or a quarter of an inch, thus enabling the device to be used, without the legend, as a secret. So far I have record of eight examples, all except one of silver, which are, or at least till quite recently were, extant. Although it is unlikely that this class of matrix was ever at all common, being probably but a passing fashion, yet these few surviving examples cannot represent a tithe of those that were made, and it is possible that a considerable number of small seals without legends, of which impressions only exist, belongs to this class. But unless examples should be found in both states, with and without the legend, it is impossible to be certain.
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- Copyright © The Society of Antiquaries of London 1924
References
page 249 note 1 The secret of Philip of Thame, prior (1330–58) of the Knights Hospitallers in England, used as a counter to the prior's seal, is probably an example. It is oval, measuring ⅞ in. by ¾ in., and has for device a bearded bust of a man wearing a cap and facing to the left. This, which-would appear to be an intaglio, is surrounded by a border of cinquefoils and the legend in Lombardic capitals 
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Two impressions are in the Society's collection, and in one of these the intaglio alone is used, without the legend and cinquefoil border. The seal of Thomas Wake of Blisworth, 1354, described in the British Museum Catalogue of Seals, no. 14205;, which has no legend, and that of William of Ilkestone, 1356 described in Mr. Blair's Durham Seals, no. 1429, and illustrated on his plate 14, may also possibly be of this character.
page 249 note 2 xxix, 406.
page 250 note 1 Harl. ch. 57, C. 26.
page 251 note 1 xix, 536.
page 252 note 1 Harl. ch. 50, H. 26.
page 252 note 2 Above, p. 247, and see also Proc. Soc. Ant. Newc. 4th S., i, 129, and Arch. Ael., 3rd S., xx, 175.
page 253 note 1 Norf. Arch. viii, 328.
page 253 note 2 loc. cit.
page 254 note 1 Cal. Pat. 1331, m. 4.
page 254 note 2 Ibid. 1342, m. 8 d.
page 254 note 3 I have to thank Mr. O. M. Dalton, F.S.A. and Mr. A. B. Tonnochy for help with this and the other British Museum matrix.
page 255 note 1 Proc. Soc. Ant. xiv, 10.
page 255 note 2 Since this paper was read the matrix has been acquired by Mr. F. H. Harman Oates, F.S.A., who has kindly permitted me to reproduce this and the preceding specimen.