of Dunfermline Abbey, Fife

Seal impression (cast), of Abbot Ralf

This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the seal of Ralf, Abbot of Dunfermline Abbey in Fife, dating from 1292.

The seal depicts God seated in judgment, with the open Book. Below, the abbot kneels in prayer. The inscription 'S'RADVLPHI. ABBATIS. DE DVNFERMLIN' translates as 'Seal of Ralf, Abbot of Dunfermline'. The gold border is modern cardboard trim.

Seals were usually made of beeswax, softened by heat and attached to a document. A mould or matrix was used to make the impression in soft wax.

Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.

Online ID:	000-180-001-808-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2 Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland K.1999.1342
Date:	Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: 1292
Material:	Sulphur; brown. Inscription: S'RADVLPHI . ABBATIS . DE DVNFERMLIN
Dimensions:	63 mm L x 40 mm W
What:	Seal / cast
Subject:
Who:	Ralf, Abbot of Dunfermline Abbey
Where:	Scotland, Fife, Dunfermline
Event:
Description:	Brown sulphur cast of the seal of Ralf, Abbot of Dunfermline Abbey, 1292
References:	Stevenson and Wood, i. p. 179, no 83 Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 179, no. 83.
Translations:
Related Records: