£1,300
An interesting Charles I bronze matrix seal, dated 1633, inscribed ' ...Archiepiscopi Cantuarie Sigillum Vicarii Generalis...', 8.1 x 5.7cm, with attached label inscribed 'Found in Thames on rebuilding of London Bridge and given to Archbishop Howley, said to have been cast in The Thames by Laud on his way to (The) Tower'.
William Laud was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in 1633. He was executed in January 1645. William Howley was Bishop of London 1813-28.
Plaster seal is broken into 4 pieces.
Bronze matrix has very competent, old/period repair, to the shield and the bottom of the inscription, from the G to the M.
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