Romano Celtic Silvered Bronze Seal Security Box 1st to 2nd Century

Description

Material: Silvered bronze

Period: Roman imperial

Date: 1st to 2nd century AD

Origin: Roman provinces. probably British

Condition: Fine+. hinge works but axis pin is missing.

Description: A circular silvered seal box with a hinged lid. Decorated with moulded concentric circles. contains silver penannular ring.

Size and Weight: 11mm each. 4.7g 

Reference: cf Celtic & Roman Artefacts. Mills. p97

Features and Provenance: Although not uncommon it is rare to have a complete seal box. The ring and dot motif would indicate it was a British find and more Celtic than Roman. They were used as a security measure for important messages: the base was fixed to the package through the holes in the backplate. a cord was then passed through the notches and the knot was placed in the box. the whole thing was then sealed with wax and a security impression was added with a ring. The seal could not be removed without being broken.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of the artefact and there are grades between

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of pattern etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of pattern etc present. but may be worn

Fine (F). Wear on the artefact and parts of item and pattern etc may be missing or not visible