Copper-alloy, 37.28 grams, 56.06 mm. Circa 13th/14th century AD. A very large matrix of pointed vessica form, the main design depicts a standing Lady dressed in long robes and holding a bird of prey. To one side is a heater shield of arms quartered with four birds and another bird is to her other side. The inscription reads +S:DOMICELLE: AMLESIE: DEUOTE: MORANCIECO. The 'S' is an abbreviation of 'sigillum' or 'seal of'. The word 'domicelle' is the diminutive feminine form of the dignity title deriving from the male 'domino' and female 'domine', usually interpreted, when used in the 14th century, as equivalent to 'damsel' or 'princess'. The name of the Lady is rendered as Amlesie, probably a form of the name Amelia. The remainder of the inscription is slightly enigmatic but is believed to have a religious significance. Vessica shaped seals are often associted with members of religious orders and the larger sizes, such as this example, would have been used by important members such as prioresses, abbesses and similar. Reference: Harvey, P. D. A. & McGuinness, A. A Guide to British Medieval Seals, Aristocratic and Heraldic Seals, page 43-62. An important seal and very rare in an excellent state of preservation with all the details clear. Provenance: found at Barham, Kent and sold with a copy of a letter from Canterbury Museum (although their interpretation of the inscription is demonstrably incorrect).