Seal matrices, of Melrose, Borders & St Andrews, Fife

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These two seal matrices are from the Burgh of Melrose in the Scottish Borders (left) and St Andrews in Fife (right). The impression above is from the matrix from Melrose. Both seals were used by customs officials and are known as 'cocket' seals.

The bronze Melrose seal dates from around 1525. It bears the Royal Arms and was attached to goods entered at the local custom house in Melrose. The brass St Andrews seal bears a figure of St Andrew on a cross and is dated 1566.

Functioning as centres of local government, burghs had their own seals which were used on documents to represent identity, authority and status. As on coats of arms, the images indicate aspects of the burghs' origins and activities.

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• Online ID: 000-100-002-648-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NM 34
• Date: 1566
  Around 1525 & 1566
  c. 1525
  
• Material: Bronze. Inscription: S. COKETE REGALITATIS SANCTE MARIE DE MELROS; Royal Arms of Scotland
  Inscription: SIGILLVM COKETE CIVITATIS SANCTI ANDRIE, 1566
  Seal matrix / impression
  Seal matrix / impression
  
• Dimensions: 63 mm D
  68 mm D x 4 mm depth
  
• What: Seal matrix / impression
  Seal matrix / impression
  
• Subject: Jewellery: seals, stamps (NMAS Classification)
  Jewellery: seals, stamps (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: St Andrew
  
• Where: Scotland, Fife, St Andrews
  Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze matrix and impression of the cocket seal of Melrose, about 1525
  Brass matrix and impression of the cocket seal of St Andrews, 1566
  
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