A very beautiful teardrop shaped Roman bronze and enamel seal box, dating to the late 1st or early 2nd century. The box is in exceptional condition, with the hinged lid still moving, though opening only part of the way. The Cloisonné enamel lid is decorated in bright red and orange, a large chevron with a semi-circle picked out in white enamel. The design of the enamel lid has a modern, almost Art Deco aesthetic. This delicate piece of metalwork served both a decorative and practical function, protecting the wax seal which ensured the privacy and authenticity of a document. The seal box would be secured to the document’s container by a cord passing through the holes in the back and sides of the seal box. The cord would then be tied inside the seal box, wax poured into it, then impressed by an intaglio ring. An ingenious and highly decorative item, probably used by a relatively wealthy individual to protect the privacy of their letters.

Dimensions: 28 mm x 18 mm.

References: Nigel Mills, Celtic & Roman Artefacts: RB297. Benet's Artefacts of England & the United Kingdom, Third Edition: R16-0104.