Byzantine Pb seal (12.28g, 25mm) John vestitor (eighth century)
Obv: Cruciform invocative monogram (type I) = Θεοτόκε βοήθει.
Wreath border.
Rev: Inscription of four lines beginning with a cross: Ἰωάννου βεστίτορι
Wreath border..
Ref.: BZS.1951.31.5.622
Vestitor (βεστήτωρ) palace official responsible for the imperial wardrobe (Latin: Vestiarium); first attested in the 6th century. In the 9th century, the title also became an honorary dignity (δια βραβείου άξια, dia brabeiou axia) intended for "bearded men" (i.e. non-eunuchs). Defined in Kletorologion 899 as the third lowest in the imperial hierarchy between silentiarios and mandatetor (both classes also of palace officials). According to the Kletorologion together with the silentiarioi, the vestetores were subject to an official known epi tes katastaseos. The later De Ceremoniis of Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus (r. 913–959) indicates that they assisted the praipositos in dressing the Byzantine emperor, while the chronicler Theophanes the Confessor calls them guardians of the imperial crown. On seals, in the 9th century, the rank was held by higher provincial officials, i.e. protonotarioi (heads of civil administration) and kommerkiarioi (customs officials) of the themes. This term dates back to the 10th century.