Medieval and Later Bronze Artefact Collection

Comprising a narrow shank and cup bezel with inset garnet cabochon; straightened. 1.37 grams, 22.77 mm overall, 17.26 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Harrietsham, Maidstone, Kent, UK, on 5th April 2024; declared as Treasure and susiquently disclaimed with Treasure Reference no.2024 T639. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.SUSS-EDF83D. Accompanied by a copy of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport's Treasure receipt dated 4th June 2024. Accompanied by a receipt, and disclaim letter, both from Mid Kent and Medway Coroner's Service.

The Portable Antiquities Scheme states: 'This is a find of note and has been designated: Include in MedArch.'

An annular brooch with pelletted edges, six garnet cabochons adorning the brooch, each in a tall closed setting; inscribed on the front 'VIVAMTINVNOANI', the reverse inscribed with 'AMORIVNTVANVNTVI' divided between two palmettes. 8.76 grams, 38 mm



Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12989-245987.

Both inscriptions can be interpreted differently according to the order of their reading; the front can be read ‘IN JUNO ANI VIVAM TI’, which roughly translates as ‘May I live for you in the fastening’, alternatively ‘VIVAM[vs] IN VNO ANI[mo]’ which roughly translates as ‘Let us live as one soul’. The back reads: 'AMORIVNTVANVNTVI' ‘AMOR[is]    IVN[c]T[i]    ANVNTIV[s]’ which roughly translates as ‘a message of joint love’. The inscriptions on the brooch serve as metaphors, linking its function of fastening materials to the binding of lovers in medieval romance. Gift-giving was central to courtly love, and the brooch symbolised both affection and protection, reminding the wearer of the giver’s love while also warding off unwanted advances.

Trilobate in plan with openwork triangle between three roundels with hatched fields, the upper two surmounted by crosses, depicting scenes from Christ's life: the crucifixion, resurrection and Christ at the Column in relief. 3.39 grams, 31 mm



Ex European collection, 1990s. Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.

In 1383 AD, after fire in the town of Bad Wilsnack, Germany) three consecrated communion hosts were found undamaged in the ruins of the church. According to the legend, they were sprinkled with the Holy Blood of Christ, which made Bad Wilsnack a famous pilgrimage site. The resultant pilgrim badges were distinctive in shape with three circles arranged in a triangle and painted in red, referring to this miracle. Although the miracle was doubted by Reformation period scholars like John Hus, the final blow came in 1552, when the miraculous communion hosts were publicly burned.