Medieval Bronze Seal Matrix Collection

Composed of an annular frame with a rectangular cross-section and flat upper and lower surfaces; the pin retained and in the form of a rectangular loop with a hexagonal-sectioned shaft; on the upper face of the pin, at the junction of the loop and shaft a raised transverse ridge; along the outer edge a visible join where the loop of the pin is folded around the frame, no constriction of the frame to accommodate the pin. 16.16 grams, 29 mm



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in North Northamptonshire, UK, on 6th April 2024; declared as Treasure under the Treasure Act with reference no.2024 T473, subsequently disclaimed by the Crown and returned to the landowner. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.NARC-2ADEC8. Accompanied by a copy of the Report on Potential Treasure for H M Coroner from Stoke Albany, Northamptonshire. Accompanied by a copy of a letter from The British Museum on behalf of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, informing that the Crown's interest in this find has been disclaimed. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13455-260884.

A similar example has been recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database, IOW-506491(2013-T72), and has been processed as Treasure, dating to the 15th-16th centuries. The thickness of the cross-section of the object is uncommon for Medieval annular frames, and the Isle of Wight example is extensively decorated, while this example is plain. In terms of form, this example is also similar to a copper-alloy example from York (YORYM1458), which, while similar in plan and section, is decorated with an engraved inscription.

The hoop with three central evenly-spaced square panels with incised decoration and niello inlay, the central panel with an engraved square border and a cross within a smaller square border of niello inlay, the two outer panels with a thicker engraved saltire cross within a square border made of incised lines. 1.70 grams, 21.45 mm overall, 19.79 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S, USA 9, Europe 20, Japan 19)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Folkestone and Hythe, Kent, UK, on 21st September 2023; declared as Treasure under the Treasure Act with reference number 2025T49, disclaimed by the Crown and returned to the finder. Property of a Kent gentleman, a specialist medieval collector. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.KENT-3F6C05.

Comprising three annular brooches: one with a twisted section to the body, one with incised geometric decoration to the obverse, one with raised pellets to the obverse; each with a sword-shaped pin. 11.3 grams total, 16-44 mm



Ex retired East Anglian school teacher, Isle of Wight, Hampshire, UK, 1960s-1980s.