German early 14th century
Matrix of the seal of Saint Martin's Abbey in Brühl near Erfurt, German, early 14th century
Cast copper alloy.. In 1303, Erfurt's Mariengarten monastery was moved to Brühl (Latin "in plurali"), the oldest suburb of Erfurt, where the parish church of St. Martin was located. This matrix for the monastery's seal dates from the beginning of the 14th century - the first impression is from the year 1312. Its whereabouts had been unknown until today. The seal shows St. Martin on horseback with the beggar at his feet before him. The inscription reads: "S(IGILLVM) CONVE(N)TVS S(AN)C(T)IMONIALIV(M) ECC(LESI)E S(AN)C(T)I MARTINI I(N) PL(VR)ALI".
In perfect condition. Diameter 4.9 cm, depth 1.2 cm (with handle)..
Certificate
Paz archaeological science laboratories, Bad Kreuznach 07.06.2018 (material analysis using x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy). - Dr. Michael Matscha, Erfurt diocesan archives 18.09.2018 (written confirmation).
Provenance
Acquired in 2014 from private ownership, Erfurt. - Subsequently in a German private collection.
Literature
Ulrich Simon: Erfurt, St. Martini extra muros. In: Germania Benedictina. Vol. 4. Die Mönchs-und Nonnenklöster der Zisterzienser in Hessen und Thüringen, St. Ottilien 2011, p. 677-705, here p. 678-679 & 704.