Loading, please wait...
LOT 1904
Medieval Bronze Seal Matrix Group
ENGLAND, 1300-1400 A.D.
3/4 - 1 in. (7.36 grams total, 19-24 mm).
Comprising: discoid seal matrix with a male and female bust flanking a tree and surrounding Latin inscription '* SIGILLVM AMORIS ' (Seal of Love), reverse plain with pierced suspension lug; fragment of a seal showing a seated Virgin and Child, accompanied by the common rhyming
inscription '[MATER DEI] MEMENTO MEI' [Mother of God, remember me]. [2, No Reserve]
Found Ravensden, Bedfordshire, UK.
Recorded with UKDFD no.54276.
For such rhyming legends as the one on the fragmentary example, see M. Jones, “Rhyming religious couplets on seals” in SEWISE 8, January, 2025.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 1904
Medieval Bronze Seal Matrix Group
Estimate £40 - 60€46 - 70 (for guidance only)$54 - 81 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
-
Medieval Bronze Lid with Engraved Floral Design
Circa 15th-16th century A.D.Estimate: £40 - 60 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Gently domed in profile with knop handle; concentric incised bands with reserved foliage and flowers on a hatched field; lip to underside. 74.3 grams, 71 mm
Found near Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, UK. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. -
Medieval Pewter Head of John the Baptist Pilgrim's Badge
England, 14th-15th century A.D.Estimate: £30 - 40 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Discoid type depicting a bearded face within a raised border of annulets, each with a pellet at its centre; integrally cast pin to reverse. 2.97 grams, 20 mm
Found Alford, Lincolnshire, UK. Recorded with UKDFD no.49065.
The badge possibly represents the head of John the Baptist on a platter, but an alternative interpretation is that it depicts the face of Christ in a form known as the 'Vernicle' or 'Veronica', which arises from the legend that the face of Christ was miraculously impressed on the handkerchief or veil that Saint Veronica gave to him to wipe his face on the way to Calvary. In support of the case for this interpretation, Spencer illustrates another circular badge of generally similar type (No. 254c), but with a border inscribed with the first line of a popular 14th-century prayer composed in honour of the Vernicle. In support of the case for the John the Baptist interpretation, some very similar badges depict a rather dishevelled head with a sharply couped neck. -
Medieval Silver Ring with 'S' Bezel
England or Germany, 15th century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
The hoop formed of ten raised bosses and the bezel in the form of a Lombardic letter ’S’. 4.35 grams, 21.25 mm overall, 17.64 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)
Acquired on the European art market.
Decade or rosary rings were used in personal Catholic prayer, similar to rosaries, with each projection representing a Hail Mary, and the bezel (often formed as a cross) for the Our Father prayer.
