19th century AD. A uniface replica lead-alloy seal impression depicting St Paul seated under a columned arch with 'SIVNE VILLE XPI ECCLIE DE TWINHAM' inscription around; fitted with an integral corded spension loop. See Clinch, G., Handbook of English Antiquities, London, 1905, pp.205-217, for information and illtrations; see also the www.mernick.org.uk/B&C by Philip Mernick for an extensive history and catalogue; see Fox-Davies, Arthur Charles, The Book of Public Arms, London, 1915, p.180 (listed under Christchurch, Hampshire), for a description of this ecclesiastical seal; see also Birch, W. de G. Catalogue of Seals in Department of Mancripts in the British Meum, BM, 1892, vol.II, p.201, number 5471, for this seal. 59.7 grams, 10cm high (4"). Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection (part 2), Essex, UK. This curio piece is not typical of most of the 'Billy and Charley' fantasy pieces of the late 19th century; the letter forms are very different and it is uniface; the spension is identical to many other pieces made by them and it seems that this has been copied from the genuine 13th century seal rather than being from their imagination; Twynham is the ancient name for the town of Christchurch, Dorset; the seal of the monastery and priory there is depicted on the 1911 coronation medal of George V for the town. [No Reserve]