Seal matrix, of Hospital of St Anthony, Leith

This is the ecclesiastical seal matrix of the hospital of St Anthony in Leith. Pictured here with its impression, the matrix is made of bronze and dates from the mid 16th century.

The seal matrix features St Anthony holding a book and a staff. A pig with a bell round its neck is at his feet. The Latin inscription translates as 'The seal of the chapter of the hospital of St Anthony near Leith'.

The seals fixed to church documents were usually made of beeswax, softened by heat and attached with a cord or tag to a document. A mould (or matrix) was used to make the impression in soft wax.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-002-640-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NM 18
• Date: Mid 16th century
  
• Material: Inscription: ANTHONII PROPE LEICHT; COMUNE PRECE PRECEPTORIE SANCTI
  Seal matrix / impression
  
• Dimensions: 52 mm L x 43 mm W; 20 mm W (flange)
  
• What: Seal matrix / impression
  
• Subject: Jewellery: seals, stamps (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: St Anthony
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh, Leith (St Anthony's Hospital)
  
• Event:
• Description: Matrix and impression of the ecclesiastical seal of the Hospital of St Anthony, Leith, mid 16th century
  
• References:
• Translations:
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