An historic find could be coming home to Wallingford if the town council decides to help buy it before it is sold on the open market.

The 13th century silver seal matrix

The 13th century silver seal matrix which has a 2nd century Roman intaglio gem in the centre, was found some years ago in the Wallingford area. Full details of the find are being kept secret.

The seal has been declared treasure trove and valued at £1,400.

It is held by the county museum, in Woodstock, which has asked the town council if it would be willing to buy it outright or part-fund its purchase.

If the council does help to buy it, the seal would be owned by the county museum and could be loaned to Wallingford Museum for display.

It is inscribed as belonging to Nicholas Paddehall, whose name cannot be found in any records of the town.

Town councillor Pat Granados said: "It would be a good thing to contribute to this -- but first we must know whether it would be housed here in our own museum.

"We don't want to buy it and then find it's held permanently somewhere else."

Francesca Jones, of the county museum, said: "If bought, it would belong to the county, but I would hope to display it in Wallingford Museum, which has expressed an interest in it."