Lapis Lazuli Bead Necklace String

Substantial glass panel in lead cames with border; painted scene with peacock in the branches of a tree. 343 grams, 19.5 x 15 cm



Ex Michael Archer OBE FSA (1936-2022), Keeper, Ceramics and Glass department, Victoria & Albert Museum, London, Great House, Dedham, Essex. Private collection, Suffolk, UK.

The irregular application of the lead indicates repair.

Flat-section hoop with low-relief pellets and banding to the outer face imitating a wreath; inner face with incised legend in seriffed capitals 'FOR EVER ORE NEVER'. 1.39 grams, 15.72 mm overall, 13.98 mm internal diameter (approximate size British F, USA 2 3/4, Europe 3.67, Japan 3)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Framlingham, Suffolk, UK, on Saturday 26th August 2023, by Mr Pepper; declared as Treasure and subsequently disclaimed. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum’s Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.SF-3FCA89. Accompanied by a copy of the Treasure report for H M Coroner from Framlingham, Suffolk, no.2023T946.

The find spot, Framlingham in Suffolk, is the site of Framlingham Castle which was once the stronghold of the powerful Dukes of Norfolk. The present structure dates to 1148 AD but may have replaced an earlier burh from pre-Conquest times. It has had royal associations for centuries, and Mary Tudor (the daughter of Henry VIII by his first wife, Catherine of Aragon) was proclaimed Queen of England at the castle in 1553, the first woman to accede to the throne of England in her own right.

Including a ceramic monster-head with cabochon eyes and gilt detailing. 1 kg total, 8.8-23.2 cm



From a family collection mostly formed in the 1940s-1950s, thence by descent.