✅ SOLVED Medieval Mysterious Seal with hexagram...?

[HenrikV]

Hello!

Hope this is the right place to post this, my first post in this fantastic forum!

I recently got this one in, not found by me, found in the UK in the 1970s. I'm assuming it to be some kind of wax seal (?), based on the top. I have had other ancient and medieval wax seals before, but not anything like this, never seen anything like this one. It is very well made, with many small pieces put together to create the thing.

It was said to be around 2000 years old, but i find this hard to believe. I would rather personally assume it to be perhaps 800-1200 years old.

A friend of mine told me it was likely occult related, but i have no idea at all. Anyone have any idea what this could be?

 

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[tamrock]

I don't know what you have, but it's sure interesting. Can you post a side view of it? I'd like to see what that little handle or finial thing looks like. Wouldn't it be maybe the Star of David instead of some occult like you mentioned? It does look like it's made of silver.

 

[HenrikV]

Thank you kindly for your response! Yeah, that is indeed possible, that it is the Star of David.

Perhaps it's the long lost seal of King Solomon?

Kidding aside, here's a photo of the side. Sorry for not including it earlier, this is why i believed it to be a seal, due to this attachment. I can't find it logical to be used as a pendant for example, due to the way the shield hangs. But again, i have no idea what it is.

 

[PaddyB]

It is certainly a very interesting item and I do not know what it is.

I don't think it would be a seal - I have never seen one with a lattice matrix, which I think would not work well as the wax would get stuck in the gaps, nor with such a pronounced convexity to the matrix, which would require a lot of rolling around to get the impression into the wax.

It looks more to me like a part of a ceremonial or religious item - possibly Jewish or early Christian. It reminds me a bit of part of a thurifer (an elaborate incense burner used in catholic high masses) or similar. It could also be a decoration to fit onto something made of wood or leather with the tang to fix it.

As to age, it could be Roman, but if not then I would think middle to late medieval. It does not seem to fit Saxon or early medieval in design and style.

As I say - I don't know - just my thoughts!

 

[HenrikV]

Thank you kindly! And yeah, i did not think of it that way. But now that you point it out, it might be hard to use as a wax seal, since wax would likely get stuck. Interesting that you mention Roman, as that is what i was originally told by the previous owner, with the age of 1800-2000 years old, if i remember correctly. I believe his father has labeled it as possible Roman, where it was found in the UK i have no idea.

Really Appreciate all input as i have no idea at all.

 

[PaddyB]

It's a pity you are not in the UK as most metal detecting clubs here have a "finds Officer" available, who is an archaeologist trained in identifying mysterious finds. They might be able to give you a better steer.

 

[HenrikV]

I envy and admire that! I have tried to have some items identified earlier through historians here in Norway, without any luck. But i have had great help from the College of Arms in the UK earlier, as to identify antique wax seals and coat of arms.

Would it be at any help if i managed to figure out where this item was located originally?

 

[mojjax]

I think you should ask Mark Parker on this one !
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...aTrNln--UbqmR4rmg&sig2=2MlMaMzglpMpjUCnlo-lEg

 

[seekerGH]

Would it be at any help if i managed to figure out where this item was located originally?

Yes, that would help.

 

[Anduril]

Isn't it obvious?
That's the key to the Lost Dutchman's Mine !!

Neat find.

 

[HenrikV]

Again, thank you very much for helping me trying to solve what this is! I will contact the previous owner and see what i can dig out. And mojjax, thank you very much for the link! I just sent Mark a question with photos and the info i have on it!

 

[HenrikV]

Isn't it obvious?
That's the key to the Lost Dutchman's Mine !!

Neat find.

Perhaps i should set my next vacation to the Superstition Mountains.

 

[bradyboy]

wow, what a great item
first thought was a wax stamp
Don't think it would be difficult to clean, or perhaps dipped in cold water prior to stamping
or reheating the stamp to remove wax residue
Just a thought

 

[tamrock]

I think this guy lost it and would like to have it back? It might be best you do give it back to him, unless your someone like Indiana Jones and will fight like hell to keep it?. I sure hope someone solves this unique find of yours.

 

[seekerGH]

Actually, it is not a seal at all, it is a Roman cloak or toga fastener.



It would be important to know where it was found to trace the Star of David area of influence.

 

[QUICKSILVER (appletree)]

if it was the occult it would be a 5 point star upside down called a pentagram in the form of a goats head.

 

[tamrock]

I'm thinking as what was mentioned already the top of a Thurible You know one of those "Holy Smokes Applicators"

 

[DCMatt]

Star of David Bronze Seal Origin: Central Asia Circa: 18 th Century AD to 19 th Century AD

 

[DCMatt]

Another:

 

[DCMatt]

Search 'Barakat Gallery bronze seal' to see other examples.

The one above is listed for £2500.00