Embossed Seal Counter-Matrix
Definition
The female die component of an embossing seal press, whose surface marks and imperfections transfer as positive elements in the paper impression and serve as individualising characteristics analogous to rubber-stamp defects.
- Component
- Female die of an embossing seal press
- Produces
- Positive elements in the paper impression
- Comparable to
- Rubber-stamp defects
Common questions
Why are counter-matrix marks useful for identification?+
Manufacturing wear and accidental damage on the die are individualising, so impressions made by the same seal press show matching, reproducible surface defects across different documents.
How is a counter-matrix examined in casework?+
Oblique lighting or a comparable imaging technique captures the raised and depressed relief pressed into the paper, and this is compared against known exemplar impressions from the same seal.
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