Seal impression (cast)

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the reverse of the 2nd seal of the burgh of Aberdeen, dating to 1430.

The seal depicts within a Gothic niche the miracle of St Nicholas restoring three youths to life. The inscription 'Sigillum. commune. de. aberden' identifies the burgh. The gold border is modern cardboard trim.

Seals were used extensively from the 12th century in Scotland by kings, clergy, nobles and towns. In a society where few people could read or write, they provided evidence that documents were authentic.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-762-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  K.1999.808
• Date: Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: 1430
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown. Inscription: Sigillum . commune . de . aberden
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 76 mm D
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: St Nicholas
  
• Where: Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen
  
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the reverse of the 2nd Seal of the Burgh of Aberdeen, depicting St Nicholas restoring three youths to life, 1430
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 52, no 4 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 52, no 4. 
• Translations:
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