"Medieval Bronze Seal Matrix with Merchant’s Mark Culture / Period: Late Medieval to Early Post-Medieval Date / Period: 15th–16th century Material: Bronze Dimensions: 17 mm Condition: Good condition No shipping outside the European Union. Due to complex export regulations concerning cultural goods, this item cannot be shipped outside the EU. Please ensure you have a delivery address within the European Union before placing a bid. Provenance information: Object Registration ID: 993 The current owner (S.N.J. S.) purchased the seal matrix with merchant’s mark from S.J. in Hemrik, the Netherlands. The previous owner, S.J. from Hemrik, stated that the object had been in his collection since the 1990s. According to the previous owner, the object had previously been part of a private collection in the Netherlands since the 1990s. No further information concerning the earlier ownership history of the object was available from the previous owner. Background Information: This compact bronze seal matrix belongs to the tradition of personal and commercial seals used throughout late medieval and early post-medieval Europe. It has a small oval sealing face and a sculptural handle terminating in a pierced suspension loop, allowing the matrix to be carried on a cord or chain and kept readily available for use. The engraved seal face bears a simple personal or merchant’s device. Such individual marks served as recognisable identifiers for merchants, craftsmen and other members of urban society. When pressed into softened wax, the intaglio design produced a raised impression that could authenticate documents, correspondence, transactions or goods. Merchant’s marks were especially useful as distinctive identifying symbols in a period when signatures in their modern form were not universally employed. Seal matrices of this type were generally cast in copper alloy and subsequently finished by hand. The small dimensions, functional suspension loop and individually cut seal design reflect an established craft tradition developed around the practical requirements of written administration and commerce. During the 15th and 16th centuries, expanding towns, markets and regional and international trade networks increased the importance of personal identification in commercial affairs. Small seal matrices therefore formed part of the working equipment of individuals engaged in trade, craft and administration. This example provides a tangible connection to the documentary and commercial practices of the late medieval world, when a personal seal could play a direct role in everyday business and communication."