Medieval and Later Bronze Artefact Group

Engraved with two crosses fourchée within a circular frame, flanking crescents. 2.36 grams, 22.74mm overall, 20.30mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



English collection, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market. Ex property of an Essex gentleman. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection.

The use of seals became more and more essential during the time when the majority of the population was illiterate; the use of signet rings continued until after the fall of Rome in the West. With the establishment of heraldry, the armorial signet was generally adopted by all those entitled to bear arms. A considerable proportion of medieval rings were signets, with portraits, names or monograms, and emblems such as the cross, most of these having the designs cut in a metal bezel.

The flat-section hoop with raised circular seal bezel bearing engraved three fleur de lis flanked by initials T-S, hoop with openwork bar to one side, together with engraved gradation lines and letters representative of the months of the year above and below, and the hours marked on hoop interior. 14.4 grams, 40 mm



Acquired early 1990s. From an East Anglian private collection.

Primarily discoid ad shield-shaped in plan, displaying floral, cruciform and enigmatic designs in relief. 664 grams total, 35-63 mm



Ex Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK, in the 1990s. From a North London collection.