seal;
seal-box;
seal-impression
- Museum number
- 1987,0404.1
- Description
-
Circular bronze seal-matrix with four lugs. The central device is of a mounted Prince with heraldic caparisons against a foliage background. A legend is around the border. The seal is set in a turned wooden box. With wax impression.
- Production date
- 1408-13
- Dimensions
-
Diameter: 10.80 centimetres (wooden box)
-
Diameter: 7.20 centimetres
-
Weight: 122 grammes (wooden box)
-
Weight: 417 grammes
-
Thickness: 1.20 centimetres
-
Depth: 2.65 centimetres (wooden box)
- $Inscriptions
-
- Curator's comments
- Text from 'Good Impressions: Image and Authority in Medieval Seals', ed. Adams, Cherry and Robinson. British Museum 2008. Handlist no. 7.5.
Seal of the Prince of Wales (later Henry V).
This seal was made for Henry when he was Prince of Wales. After Owen Glendower's revolt against the English failed in 1408, Henry wanted to reinforce his power and control in Wales. His seal shows him in a position of authority as the Lord of Carmarthen.
See John Cherry, 'The seal matrix of Henry, Prince of Wales later Henry V for the lordship of Carmarthen' Antiquaries Journal, vol LXX (1990), pp. 461-2.
- Location
- Not on display
- Exhibition history
-
Exhibited: (Has Mount)
2012 19 Jul-25 Nov, London, BM Shakespeare: Staging the World
2003-2004 9 Oct-18 Jan, London, V&A, Gothic: Art for England 1400-1547
- Acquisition date
- 1987
- Acquisition notes
- Purchased at Bloomsbury Book Auction
- Department
- Britain, Europe and Prehistory
- Registration number
- 1987,0404.1