English Medieval - Large Bronze Seal Matrix - Sir William de Lisle of Rougemont > Lot No. 869

Description:
14th century AD. A very large and impressive bronze seal matrix of 'chessman' style; the circular face depicting a crenellated castle with a superimposed shield of arms (on a fess between two chevrons, a martlet) and forequarters of a horned bull; the castle having a gatehouse with pitched roof and three crenellated towers, each showing a cruciform arrow slit; the castle masonry depicted by hatching and flowing water below (representing a moat?).

Measurements:
33 grams, 36 mm tall, 28mm diameter.

Condition:
Superb, undamaged and with attractive, smooth green patina. Extremely rare.

References:
T. Willement A Roll of Arms in the Reign of Richard II; G. Bereton/Froissart Chronicles.

Provenance:
Found Wolcot, Linconshire. Supplied with an impression and research documentation.

Comments notes:
The arms are of the Lisle family of Rougemont (West Yorkshire); the martlet indicates that these arms belonged to a fourth son of the family, and the likely candidate for the owner is Sir William de Lisle, prior to his inheritance of the lordship in 1399.

Estimate: £400 - 600 (EUR 500 - 750; USD 640 - 950)

Auction date: Thursday 9th September 2010 at The Swedenborg Hall 20-21 Bloomsbury Way
London WC1A 2TH

Sold for: £857