English: A cast copper-alloy pedestal seal Matrix, dating to the 13th/14th century, possibly dating to the period AD 1250-1400

Descriptions: The matrix is conical in shape with a hexagonal die and collar separating the handle from a drilled, slightly lopsided suspension loop. The circular matrix has a heraldic shield of arms device. of a square top shield decorated by three lines of shapes, in heraldry known as 'Vair'. The device is surrounded by the inscription '+S'JOHIS.DE.RALEE:'. Which translates as 'Seal of John de Raleigh'. A small orientation mark is present on the top of the die in the form of 4 pellets arranged similarly to a paw print. Despite a heavy dark green patination the matrix remains in a good condition.

Measurements: The seal matrix is 20.95mm in height, 20.04mm in diameter (at the matrix end), 6.8mm wide (at the suspension loop end), 2.88mm thick (at the suspension loop) and weighs 9.3g.

Discussion: Small heraldic seal matrices gained popularity at the very end of the 12th century and this pedestal form itself was particularly popular between c. 1250 - c.1400. The John Raleigh to which this seal refers likely relates to a member of either the Devonian Raleigh family active from the middle of the 11th century to the very end of the 14th or the Warwickshire Raleghs definetly active during the 12th-14th centuries. The Warwickshire Raleghs had several knighted members in the 13th and 14th century named John, one dying in 1238 and two others active around the turn of the 13th-14th centuries.

Seals of John Raleghs from the Warwickshire family can be seen on documents dated 1321/2 (http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C4529571">E 326/3709, also in incomplete form on E.326/1163 and E 326/1181) and a Duchy of Lancaster quitclaim dated May 19th 1290 (http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C16101301">DL 25/2122) in the National Archives at Kew, which show similar arms of 'a fess, a chief vair'. An impression of a similar seal is also held by the British Library (Birch 1894 vol 2. 422, no 12900)

One of these is refered to as John de Ralee (son of Robert) 'of Surrey and Kent' and his place within the Warwickshire Ralegh family is shown on a family tree roughly laid out on the back of the National Archives record card for the seal on http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C4529571">E 326/3709 mentioned above. Taking this, the Kentish findspot and Dr. Clive Cheeseman, the Richmond Herald's comments that 'the basic identity of the coat of arms and the close similarity of the style [to the seal on http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C4529571">E 326/3709] put it beyond reasonable doubt' that this matrix relates to John de Ralee (son of Robert) 'of Surrey and Kent'.