Medieval and Later Lead Artefact Group

D-shaped in section with minuscule italic inscription to inner face 'prouidence deuien hath made thee mine'. 5.12 grams, 22.51 mm overall, 19.59 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)



From a collection which predates 1982. Property of a Somerset collector, UK, since circa 2013.

Bifacial double cross with two angels at the base carrying the cross, applied figures of Corpus Christi and Virgin Mary to one side with an inscription 'CAR VACA'; separately made reverse panel with openwork panels and foliate decoration; made as a reliquary. 101 grams, 13.7 cm



Acquired on the UK art market, early 2000s.

The Caravaca Cross, also known as the Cross of Caravaca, originated in the Spanish town of Caravaca de la Cruz and according to tradition, first appeared in the 13th century during the Christian reconquest of Spain. According to a legend, during the rule of the Muslim king Abu Zeid in 1231, a miraculous event occurred. A Christian priest lacking a cross celebrated Mass and was not able to continue as the cross is an essential element for the Eucharist. Miraculously, two angels bearing the Caravaca Cross appeared thus enabling the Mass to proceed. This event is considered the foundational miracle of the Caravaca Cross.

D-section hoop with enamel panels to the shoulders, arcade to the rectangular bezel with inset table-cut crystal. 2.17 grams, 21.88 mm overall, 16.84 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Harlaxton, Lincolnshire, UK, on Wednesday 17th November 2021. Acquired on the English art market. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (mPAS) report no.LIN-CCA6D4. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.13050-248358.

Finger rings with a principal stone and subsidiary settings in separate collets came into use in the early 13th century, and this form of simple collet continued in use until the 15th century. A gold medieval finger ring with a similar bezel, but with subsidiary settings, is recorded on the PAS database (LIN-EC74C7, 2020T819). Other gold finger rings with a principal stone (albeit with subsidiary settings) and similar framed bezel recorded as treasure on the PAS database, including one from Soberton, Hampshire (HAMP-1DCFF0, 2017T156) and Huntingdon district area, CAM-4A8AB6, 2020T089.