English: An incomplete cast copper alloy seal box lid (length: 24.7mm; width: 17.1mm; thickness: 1.1mm; weight: 1.33g). A lozenge/ diamond shaped lid with twenty-five cells forming a grid pattern on the front surface, this artefact has been described by James Tongue in 'Seal Boxes from Britain: A Morphological review' (Lucerna Newsletter 27, january 2004) as a type from Group L (Lozenge/ Diamond). Tongue describes this type as being highly decorated with the corners sometimes having extending lugs/ knobs. He also adds that 'by far the most common design is that of a lattice that creates 25 enamelled cells, variously coloured to form a pattern'. However, it is unlikely that this example ever had additional lugs/ knobs. Even though the four corners are badly worn and corroded, one is more intact than the others and gives no indication of haveing this feature. There also seems to be remains of white enamel in most of the cells. apart from four in the centre forming a square design. The lid is slightly lipped on the back to form a box and attach to the now missing bottom of the seal. Generally, the artefact is in a poor and corroded condition. The lid also has a small hole near one of the four corners. There are also small areas of bronze disease around the edges. It is difficult to idenfity the artefact's original patina due to the corrosion and possible coating of a substance.

A large majority of the Group L seal boxes distribution comprises those recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme, with a noticeably high number in rural area, particularly in Lincolnshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire & Suffolk. Most of the seal boxes are found in central and eastern England, with the exception of one founf on the English/ Scottish border.

Otther similar examples have been found at South Shields, as illustrated in Allason-Jones & Miket, 'The Catalogue of small finds from South Shields Roman Fort', 1984, pages 152-154, Rf nos 376-7.