Georgios Babylatos, 13th century. Seal (Lead, 33 mm, 26.62 g, 1 h). Γ/OA / Iω - O / ΘЄ/O/ΛO/ΓO, ('Saint John, the Theologian') Nimbate Saint John the Theologian standing facing, raising his right hand in benediction, holding a book of Gospels in his left. Rev. KVPOI MA/ΘHTHC XAP/ITωNVMOC Λ/OΓOV TOV BA/BOVΛATOV TAC / ΓPAΦAC ΓЄ/ωPΓIOV in seven lines; cross above. Unpublished. A very attractive example of a late Byzantine seal in unusually fine condition. About extremely fine.

The relatively complex reverse legend is composed in the form of two twelve-syllable verses. Georgios Babylatos, whose family name seems to be unattested, asks John the Theologian to affirm his writings. He names the Saint 'Charitonymos', or 'bearing the name of Grace', and poetically calls him the 'disciple of the Word', which of course alludes to him being a disciple of Jesus, the divine Word.