Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant

Comprising: a translucent glass token with a profile male to one side and an eagle attacking to the other; a restrung string of African terracotta beads; four seal impressions; four carnelian mounts; a carved rock crystal pendant; a bronze Dark Age style eagle mount; a ceramic tongue-shaped finial with a standing figure; a bronze standing figure of male wearing a bowler hat; a bronze fob seal with calligraphic inscription and a Belgian coin pendant; a large tinned lead mount; and a small floral lead(?) mount with an old handwritten label. 106 grams total, 1.6-74 cm



UK private collection formed 1970s-1990s. Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman.

Broadly rectangular in cross-section and constructed from two sheets of gold; the external hoop carrying an etched decorative design comprised of a row of eight-armed stars in relief with a prominent horizontal line connecting the stars; the internal hoop with Latin inscription in block capitals reading '+FORTES FORTVNA IVVAT' translating to 'fortune favours the brave/strong'; straightened. 1.45 grams, 18.86 mm overall, 16.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Wingham, near Dover, Kent, UK, on Sunday 8th August 2021. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report for Oxfordshire under reference no.KENT-8F86BC. Accompanied by a copy of the report on find of potential Treasure for H M Coroner with reference no.2021T985. Accompanied by a copy of the letter from HM Senior Coroner for Oxfordshire disclaiming the Crown's interest in the find.

The inscription is a Latin proverb used in the play Phormio by Terence in 151 B.C. It is possible that the inscription was intended as a devotion of loyalty and symbol of pride, instead of being given as a symbol of fidelity.

Comprising vibrant irregular red glass oblate beads. 73 grams, 54 cm long



UK gallery, early 2000s.