If it's 15 (which seems every bit as possible as "h"), then there is some unaccounted-for dark blob above where the stem of the "1" would end.
Now, if it is 15, then there might be an explanation for the blob... Scribes quite frequently put a dot above the number 1, but I can't tell from the scan... the "dot" might be a wormhole or other parchment anomaly.
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If it is 15, it's an atypical style, a little too long (I'm not saying it can't be 15, it's possible, even "5" is possible, but the stem is longer and straighter than the more common styles and doesn't have as long of a top-bar as the other VMS foliation numbers). It's pretty messy. I really can't tell, but if it is "h", then it's a calligraphic "h" and if it is "5" then it is likely added in the 15th to 17th centuries (it's the later form, not the earlier form).
My numerals database isn't as extensive as my letters database, but the closest one I could that was similar to the shape (if it is "5") is from c. 1470, with the foliation probably added in the 16th or maybe the early 17th century. Origin unknown. If I find any better examples, I'll post.
Now, if it is 15, then there might be an explanation for the blob... Scribes quite frequently put a dot above the number 1, but I can't tell from the scan... the "dot" might be a wormhole or other parchment anomaly.
.
If it is 15, it's an atypical style, a little too long (I'm not saying it can't be 15, it's possible, even "5" is possible, but the stem is longer and straighter than the more common styles and doesn't have as long of a top-bar as the other VMS foliation numbers). It's pretty messy. I really can't tell, but if it is "h", then it's a calligraphic "h" and if it is "5" then it is likely added in the 15th to 17th centuries (it's the later form, not the earlier form).
My numerals database isn't as extensive as my letters database, but the closest one I could that was similar to the shape (if it is "5") is from c. 1470, with the foliation probably added in the 16th or maybe the early 17th century. Origin unknown. If I find any better examples, I'll post.
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