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

Comprising a plain wire loop, soldered bezel with lap joint at either side; bezel filled with off-white paste (possibly the adhesive for a gemstone setting); some gilding close to the bezel. 1.12 grams, 24.17 mm overall, 19.40 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector on the Isle of Wight, Hampshire, UK, in 2013; handed in as Treasure under the Treasure Act with reference no.2013 T754, subsequently disclaimed and returned to the finder. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.IOW-0FB135.

Rectangular-section hoop with high borders flanking a slightly garbled inscription, possibly either in Anglo-French or Latin, reading '+BIVE IV DIVE+BIVE IV DIVE'. 2.12 grams, 21.70 mm overall, 19.24 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Mersham, 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-3F4BA2.

According to PAS, the 'IV' could be an uncommon medieval Anglo-French version of 'Je' or even 'en'; 'DIVE' could be 'diev', the French word for God. Thus, the second part of the repeating inscription could be 'in God'.

Pointed oval seal matrix with a central alpha(?) motif and a plain line border, surrounded by an inscription reading '+S'ROGAR FI IOHI' for 'seal of Roger son of John', the reverse with a raised rib terminating in a D-shaped lug, on either side of the rib an outward-facing crescent flanked by pellets; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 14.9 grams, 32 mm



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Snargate, 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-FB7187.

With a central spread eagle motif and legend on the border '*EGLE IOHIS' for 'eagle of (St.) John'; supplied with an impression. 14.4 grams, 29.06 mm



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

Tubular-section barrel shank with incised hatching and traces of silver inlay, bow with central quatrefoil void and spurs to the radiating arms, large rectangular bit with clefts and grooved wards. 50.7 grams, 96 mm



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

Comprising two masters for the production of blank seals, one a vesica-shaped piece with fleur-de-lys motif, the other a disc with similar motif and casting lug. 35.3 grams total, 31-32 mm



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

Vesica-shaped with median band flanked by crosses potent and legend 'COMENAL' and to the border 'S’ FRATRVM OSPITAL’ SCI’ TOME', supplied with an impression. 12.22 grams, 39 mm



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

It seems this is the seal of the community of the Brothers of St. Thomas’s Hospital. There was more than one medieval hospital dedicated to St. Thomas Becket in the Middle Ages, e.g. the Hospital of St. Thomas the Martyr (Swale), and that of the same name in Eastbridge, Canterbury.

Tapering tubular socket with vents at the base and short balustered shank, triangular base with three splayed feet, pounced field between. 137 grams, 70 mm



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

Comprising a hexagonal handle and a trefoil-shaped lug, a circular die with a central hare motif within a simple border, retrograde inscription reading '+PRIVE S M D V' for 'prive su' translating to 'I am private'; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 11.7 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-564A9A.

Comprising two recessed panels, each hinged at one edge, with punched triangular markings in curved and cross-shaped bands. 15.9 grams, 42 mm



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

Cruciform plaque with fixing stud, beaded border and central boss. 2.12 grams, 19 mm



Found Essex, UK. From the private collection of a Kent, UK, gentleman.

Formed as a stylised winged lion standing on a ribbed border, engraved decoration to the body, remains of gilding. 44.5 grams, 60 mm



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