English Medieval Silver Chessman Type Seal Matrix for Christine de Wattone

A bifacial gold bar bearing a heart-shaped polished garnet and a triangular panel of granulation to each face, albeit with alternate orientations; suspension loops to one long edge. 4.26 grams, 24 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired 1970-2010. Collection of a late Japanese gentleman.

An annular gold band with everted upper and lower lip, filigree ropework above and below each rim, with circumferential inscription to the recessed exterior face; of the five separate bands, the central one accommodating an applied strip of paler gold bearing a Medieval French blackletter inscription in relief, reading: '+loiautet (5 five cinquefoils) pas tout (5 five cinquefoils)', or 'Loyalty Passes All'; the inscription band may once have been enamelled; plain interior; the outer rim and twisted band on one edge are slightly bent; cleaned and repaired. 2.57 grams, 19.60 mm overall,17.39 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Bettiscombe, Dorset, UK, on 26th September 2019, and reported as a find of potential treasure to Ciorstaidh Hayward Trevarthen, Finds Liaison Officer. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report number DOR-551573. Accompanied by a copy of a letter from the British Museum to H M Senior Coroner for Dorset disclaiming the Crown's interest in the treasure find with reference number 2019 T1075. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11656-197165.

The PAS report states that Joan Evans notes a similar inscription- 'LOIALTE PASE TO' - found on plate and ornaments in the inventories of Louis d'Anjou and Louis de Valois, duc de Touraine...' in her book English Posies and Posy Rings.

A rectangular wooden icon of Pope Benedict XI (papacy: 22 October 1303-7 July 1304) standing facing within an arch; elaborate crozier to the left hand with returned horse-head finial and scrolled spurs to the outer edge; right hand extended in the gesture of benediction with large gem-set finger ring carefully displayed; mitre with jewelled headband, simple red vestment with white undergarment and black trim; heavily overpainted; mounted in a gilt wooden frame with hatched lower panel. 1.6 kg, 50.5 x 37.5 cm



Ex Richard Philp, London, UK. with W.E. Tristram (1882-1952). Acquired from Patrick Reijgerberg, Holland March, 2003. UK private collection.