Uncleaned Byzantine Seal - Saint 11th-12th Century? Cleaning?

[pogh_poor]

I just received a very interesting Byzantine lead seal this week.  It looks like 11th -12th Century to me.  It measures approximately 20.14 mm and weighs 6.42g.  It has a saint on the obverse and the inscription on the reverse.  It appears to be in uncleaned condition as I can feel the loose soil on it.  Before I attempt to clean it, I would appreciate any advice in doing so from those who have cleaned seals.  I was thinking of a gentle brushing.  Should one clean it further? And of any insight in identification would be helpful too!  Pogh_poor 

[Gert]

It is probably mostly lead oxide that you see on the seal, which can't be cleaned unless you dig into the lead itself. That's because the oxidation has changed the composition of the surface metal. So you will dig into the grey-colored lead without improving detail. You may be able to clean some dirt, but I don't think it will improve very much.

I think the legend can be read if you post photos that are in focus.
Regards
Gert

[pogh_poor]

Here are some clearer photos:
Pogh_poor

[Gert]

It is a so-called metric legend, with the words composed in a twelve-syllable verse. These are normally very difficult to make sense of, but luckily this one follows the conventions.

CKEΠOI[C]
ΠANAΓNE
CON ΘEO
ΔWP, ΛA
TPHN

So 'skepois, Panagne, son Theodor(on), latrèn', which translates 'Panagne, may you protect your servant Theodoros'. Panagne invokes the Mother of God as 'all pure'. The seal just mentions the owner's personal name, not his family name or any functions or dignities, so unfortunately it is impossible to know more about him. He must have held an important position in the period that you propose. I'd say later 11th to first half 12th century. The seal is not published in Mrs. Wassiliou-Seibt's corpus of metric legends, which means it is most probably unpublished.

Regards
Gert

[pogh_poor]

Gert Thank you for your great help with this seal!  I presume that it is Mary on the Obverse?  Pogh_poor

[Gert]

Yes, of the 'Blachernitissa' type, depicted without an infant Christ and with her hands uplifted in prayer.
Regards
Gert

[pogh_poor]

Thank you again Gert

[Akropolis]

FWIW, I would not touch it.
It is charming (to me) as it is.
PeteB

[SC]

I agree entirely with Gert.  While at first glance it seems tempting to try to clean the face there is nothing there.  The lead "patina" and some of the lead under it have simply corroded off that part.

SC

[Joe Sermarini]

Ditto. Looks good as is.

Wow Gert. You always impress me with how much you know about Byzantine seals. I spent a fortune on references for them. Even so, I find them nearly impossible.

[Gert]

Thanks Joe!

[pogh_poor]

I now have no intention of cleaning it further.  Thank you Gert again for let me gain valuable insight as to my very nice seal.  Pogh_poor