Georgian Iron Door Knocker

Two halves of a flat lead-alloy seal, one with advancing cockerel and legend to the rim 'WALTER NICKOLES MAKING', the other with sun-in-splendour motif and legend 'COXALL 100 BAYES 1633'. 13.9 grams total, 62-71 mm



Found on the Thames foreshore, London, UK, circa mid 1980s. Property of an Essex collector.

With a bulbous body and strap handle, tall neck with everted rim. 532 grams, 20 cm high



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

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.