Medieval Bronze Turret Ring Brooch

Showing Our Lady Mary of Willesden in a crescent moon, holding a fleur-de-lys sceptre over her left shoulder whilst the infant Christ is cradled in her right arm; pin absent; accompanied by a slip reading: 'Medieval. Pilgrim Badge of Our Lady of Willesden, C. 15th-16th century. Pilgrim pewter badge of Virgin Mary & child within a crescent moon with a beaded border. The Virgin Mary is crowned, holding a sceptre in her left hand & supporting the infant Christ with her right arm. Ref.: Similar example in Pilgrim Souvenirs & Secular Badges by B.Spencer, pg 150, No. 159a. Provenance: Ex Graham Slater Collection, Cambs, collected between 1980's-1990's." 2.18 grams, 24 mm



From the private collection of the late Graham Slater (1927-2024), Cambridge, UK, acquired 1980s-1990s. Accompanied by a previous information slip.

Comprising six rings with decorative bezels, one with a recessed cell to the centre. 30.32 grams total, 19-25 mm



Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

The finger rings worn by merchants and tradesmen were made of different metals. The commonest were in brass or bronze. The merchants and tradesmen ordered various devices to be engraved on the bezels of their seal rings, and sometimes they gave the appearance of being heraldic blazons.

Comprising a circular frame with punched-point ornament and integral loop; low-relief advancing wolf with gaping jaws and raised tail. 21.4 grams, 56 mm



Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From the private collection of an Essex gentleman.