English, circa 1280

Found in West Harptree, Somerset, early 19th century;
Daniel Gurney (1791-1880), Gourney Court, Somerset;
Sir E.G. Hippisley-Cox (1884-1954) upon purchase of Gourney Court in 1928;
thence by descent

D. Gurney, Record of the House of Gourney, 1848, vol. IV, p. 632-3, illustrated p. 632;
Collectanea Archaeologica: Communications Made to the British Archaeological Association, Vol. II, 1871, p. 210; W. de Gray Birch, Catalogue of Seals in the Department of Manuscripts of the British Museum, 1892, vol. II, p. 388, no. 6657

Overall the condition of the silver is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few minor nicks and scratches to the front and back. Some possible very early scratches such as to the right of the head. There are wax and dirt residues. Glue residue to the back.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This important silver seal matrix is wrought with the image of a medieval lady with a falcon held by jesses attached to her wrist. Sibille de Gurnai, whose seal this was, was born in 1231, the daughter of Sir Hugh de Vivonne, Sheriff of Somerset. His wife Mabel Malet, daughter of William Malet, was one of the guarantors of the Magna Carta. Sibille married Anselm de Gournay of Beverstone and Harptree in 1250, bringing with her a dowry consisting of the manor of Crofton. An impression of the seal from the collection of Gray Birch in the Society of Antiquaries was donated to the British Museum in 2000 (inv. no. 2000,0103.210). Compare also another seal in the British Museum, dating to circa 1180-90, of Isabelle of Hainault, wife of Philip II (inv. no. 1970,0904,1). Identifiable medieval seals are exceptionally rare; the quality of the present example is superlative.

RELATED LITERATURE
N. Netzer, Catalogue of Medieval Objects: Metalwork, cat. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 1991, no. 28