Bactrian Style Lapis Lazuli Bead Necklace String

Mixed group comprising of mostly silver issue coins, each worn flat and coin bent into a double-curved 's' profile for use as a token of love. 27.65 grams total, 19-25mm.



Found on various UK sites since 1974. Property of an Essex collector.

The custom of giving a bent coin as a love-token is known from the 17th century in England. The coins were usually smoothed to obliterate the monarch’s head and then bent twice; sometimes they were engraved with initials or symbols such as hearts or knots. If the sweetheart accepted the youth's advances, she kept the token; if not, she disposed of the coin. The tradition is referred to in the children's rhyme 'There was a crooked man, and he walked a crooked mile, he found a crooked sixpence on a crooked stile.'

Comprising eighteen oval brown agate beads, each with three etched pale rings, together with two further agate beads of different pattern; each pierced longitudinally for stringing. 184 grams total, 40-43 mm



UK gallery, early 2000s.

Comprising a large side-axe with wide chin; a substantial felling axe with punched maker's mark 'K' to one face. 1.98 kg total, 16.5-20.5 cm



From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.