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

Barrel-key with voided lozenge bow and three radiating loops, balustered shaft with hollow forward end, split ward with bits. 46 grams, 94 mm



Found Romney Marsh area, Kent, 1990-2015. From an extensive collection of large medieval keys; the property of a Kent, UK gentleman.

Comprising glazed and unglazed fragments from vessels of various types, including decorated and polychrome examples. 15 kg total, 2-26 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. Ex East Anglian private collection.

With central motif of a recumbent stag, border with legend '+ ALAS BOVES'; supplied with an impression. 10.3 grams, 25.4 mm



Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From an East Anglian private collection.

This is an example of a common legend, more commonly, ALAS BOVLES/BOWLES, which is associated with matrices bearing animal designs, but which has never been satisfactorily explained.

Heater-shaped with attachment lug above, heraldic design of three lions passant in a red enamelled background. 14.3 grams, 44.15 mm



Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From an East Anglian private collection.

Comprising a slender hoop and an oval bezel with a crowned T. 5.92 grams, 24.56 mm overall, 20.18 x 19.83 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 21.89, Japan 21)



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

Comprising an annular ring brooch with twisted body, rectangular with sword-shaped pin, annular with flat body and legend 'AVE MARI', annular with a sword-shaped pin. 6.56 grams total, 14-25 mm



Ex retired East Anglian school teacher, Isle of Wight, Hampshire, UK, 1960s-1980s.

Including flat-topped, beehive and other types. 120 grams total, 17-23 mm



Found Romney Marsh area, Kent, 1990-2015. Property of a Kent gentleman, a specialist medieval collector.

With pierced trefoil finial, ellipsoid seal with foliage and an arch over seated female with infant on her lap, kneeling supplicant and tree with clusters of pellets; supplied with an impression. 10.1 grams, 29 mm



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

Shield-shaped seal matrix with a central design of a walking bird in the foreground, and a star, moon and possibly another bird in the back, surrounded by an inscription reading 'FRANGE LEGE TEGE*' for 'break, read, conceal'; suspension loop on the reverse; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 5.73 grams, 23 mm



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Hothfield, Kent, UK. Property of a Kent gentleman, a specialist medieval collector. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.KENT-3A9381.

Chessman type with 'I' between starbursts, legend to border '*S' *AR*MUSE*' supplied with an impression. 13.4 grams, 24 mm



Found Romney Marsh area, Kent, 1990-2015. Property of a Kent gentleman, a specialist medieval collector.

Discoid in plan with notched rim, S-curved pin and raised beaded frame enclosing a reserved image of Mary and infant Jesus on a hatched field. 2.26 grams, 14 mm



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

The majority of a seal matrix with a stylised fleur-de-lis within a pointed oval on the obverse, surrounded by an inscription reading 'SIGIL' [...]hI' F' ROB :' for 'seal of [John] son of Robert', the O and B ligated, remains of a lug on the reverse and an inked collector's note; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 13.5 grams, 28 mm



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Folkestone and Hythe, Kent, UK. Property of a Kent gentleman, a specialist medieval collector. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.KENT-C1ECD3.