This artifact is a personal or pocket seal from the Stuart period, dating back to the 17th century AD. It was discovered with a metal detector in Denmead, Hampshire, in 2006.
A personal or pocket seal like this one would typically be hung on a short chain or ribbon and kept in a small pocket on a man's belt. The front side of the seal could be used to impress a design into wax in order to seal documents.
The front side of this particular seal features a coat of arms design, consisting of horizontal stripes. On the upper part of the design are three running roosters, while the middle stripe contains a small pentagon in the center. Additionally, the initials "EBH" are engraved on the fluted portion of the seal. However, as of now, the identity of the owner of this 17th-century seal has not been determined.
Seals like these were significant personal items during their time, often representing the owner's identity or affiliation with a particular family or organization. The presence of a coat of arms suggests a connection to a family or institution with heraldic traditions. Further research may help unveil more about the history and context of this intriguing artifact.