Medieval Bronze Round Seal Matrix with I am a Seal of Love

On a quatrefoil shield with pierced lug above, two lions passant gardant facing left, originally gilded, the field once containing red enamel. 6.93 grams, 33 mm



Found Norfolk, UK, circa 1990s.

The Royal Arms of England feature three lions passant gardant from the late 12th century, but there is a suspicion that an earlier version comprised only two such beasts, and that the third was added when Henry II married Eleanor Duchess of Aquitaine in 1152.

With a slender D-section hoop, bevelled rectangular cell set with a garnet cabochon; satellite settings at the corners, each with a green cabochon (one absent), the ring preserved in the same condition as it was when found. 2.81 grams, 27 mm



Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Finchampstead, Wokingham, Berkshire, UK, on Sunday 16th January 2022. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.SUSS-95B0C7. Reported as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996 with reference no.2022T118, and subsequently disclaimed. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11979-208180.

Quatrefoil in plan with triangular tab between each lobe, blue and red enamelled design displaying a crowned capital letter R, with trace remains of gilding; mounting lug to reverse. 24.4 grams, 42 mm



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