Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History, Stamps & Coins

Rectangular-section equal-arm cross with integral pierced lug above. 5.78 grams, 29 mm



Found Brigstock, Northamptonshire, UK. Recorded with UKDFD no.53488.

Discoid type depicting a bearded face within a raised border of annulets, each with a pellet at its centre; integrally cast pin to reverse. 2.97 grams, 20 mm



Found Alford, Lincolnshire, UK. Recorded with UKDFD no.49065.

The badge possibly represents the head of John the Baptist on a platter, but an alternative interpretation is that it depicts the face of Christ in a form known as the 'Vernicle' or 'Veronica', which arises from the legend that the face of Christ was miraculously impressed on the handkerchief or veil that Saint Veronica gave to him to wipe his face on the way to Calvary. In support of the case for this interpretation, Spencer illustrates another circular badge of generally similar type (No. 254c), but with a border inscribed with the first line of a popular 14th-century prayer composed in honour of the Vernicle. In support of the case for the John the Baptist interpretation, some very similar badges depict a rather dishevelled head with a sharply couped neck.

Discoid pendant with raised shield at the centre, possibly with three lions passant guardant for the coat of arms of England. 8.91 grams, 33 mm



From the private collection of Graham Slater (1927-2024), Cambridge, UK; formed 1980s-1990s.

Scaphoid in plan with central torch motif, legend to the border '+ S' THO[.]F : VVILLI.' (Thomas son of William'); lug to reverse. 13.3 grams, 36 mm



Found UK. From the collection of a Bedfordshire, UK, lady.

Pair of thimbles with pellet decoration, and a narrow plain band to the lower edge. 13.4 grams total, 16-21 mm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Lancashire, UK, collector.

Shield-shaped weight with a fleur-de-lys motif and five indentations. 422 grams, 85 mm



Found North Yorkshire, UK.

Comprising: a sheet-bronze knife pommel; a mount shaped as fleur-de-lis with two studs on the reverse; a circular domed mount with a central whirl motif; a pendant or a mount formed as the crescent moon and star; a small quatrefoil pendant; a small bifacial floral pendant; a square seal matrix with a bird; a hooked tag with fleur-de-lis; and a mount with an acorn finial. 66.5 grams total, 18-42 mm



Found Lancashire and Yorkshire, UK. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Lancashire, UK, collector.

With D-section hoop and ellipsoid plaque; incuse motif of capital 'R' and crown above; supplied with an impression. 8.10 grams, 26.03 mm overall, 20.48 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22)



Found Melchbourne, Bedfordshire, UK. Recorded with UKDFD no.34344.

The 'crowned R' motif appears on pilgrim badges in the 14th century, where it is often assumed to refer to King Edward the Confessor, or possibly Regina coeli 'Mary, Queen of Heaven'.

Thick rectangular-section shank with scrolled traverse band, heart-shaped finial panels, each with a beaded wire frame and applied granules; heart-shaped textured field with reserved profile bird. 34.8 grams, 74 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Comprising a slender D-section hoop and an oval bezel with a reclining stag with large antlers. 2.92 grams, 20.42 mm overall, 17.15 x 17.32 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)



From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

Formed as a cross-crosslet, the symbol of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre. 1.69 grams, 23 mm



Found Suffolk, UK. Property of a Suffolk, UK, gentleman.

The 'Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem' was an order of knighthood under the protection of the Pope, formed around 1099 AD by Duke Godfrey of Bouillon, the leader of the First Crusade. It was established for the protection of pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land and was recognised by a Papal Bull in about 1113 AD.

'Chessman' type with pierced trefoil knop and faceted shank; underside with heater shield and mural crown on a quatrefoil; shield bearing three martlets over a fess with chevron in base. 17.9 grams, 32 mm



From the private collection of a Sussex, UK, gentleman.