Large Medieval Crusader Period Carved Basalt Capital

With integral allipsoid plaque and impressed pentagram motif. 4.72 grams, 20.77 mm overall, 17.43 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

D-section hoop and ellipsoid bezel with 'W' formed as two overlapping 'V's; attached to a collector's card with sample seal impression and legend 'Ixworth J.W.'. 9.4 grams total, 25.17 mm overall, 20.84 mm internal diameter (approximate size British W, USA 11, Europe 25, Japan 24)



Found Ixworth, Suffolk, UK, by J.W. From the collection of Dame Joan Evans (1893-1977), thence gifted during her lifetime to a gentleman collector friend from South East England.

Dame Joan Evans, DBE, FSA, FRHistS, enjoyed a long and distinguished career as an author and historian. She was appointed the president of the Society of Antiquaries in 1959, the first woman to hold this position, serving until 1964. From 1948 to 1951, Joan Evans served as President of the Royal Archaeological Institute. She received the Society’s gold medal in 1973. Joan Evans was honoured with a host of honorary degrees and fellowships, as well as fellowships of the Royal Historical Society and the Royal Society of Literature. She was a Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur and was appointed a Dame of the British Empire in 1976. She served as a trustee of both the London and the British museums, and as a member of the advisory council of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Hinged loop to one end, the hook with a long shank and stylised beast-head below the shoulder. 4.23 grams, 58 mm



Private collection, Switzerland, 1992; thence by descent. Private collection since the late 1990s.