Seal impression (cast), of Abbot Ralf

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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

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-808-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.1999.1342
• Date: Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: 1292
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown. Inscription: S'RADVLPHI . ABBATIS . DE DVNFERMLIN
  Seal / cast
  
• 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:
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