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

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:	0098: 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
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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