A very beautiful lozenge shaped Roman bronze and enamel seal box, dating to the late 1st or early 2nd century. The box is in excellent condition, but no longer opens. The front of the box is decorated with a geometric pattern formed of cells of brightly coloured Cloisonné enamel. This delicate piece of metalwork served both a decorative and practical function, protecting the wax seal stamp ensuring the privacy 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: 23 mm x 15 mm.

References: Nigel Mills, Celtic & Roman Artefacts: RB298. Benet's Artefacts of England & the United Kingdom, Third Edition: R16-0104.