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LOT 1713
Medieval Bronze Vesica-Shaped Ecclesiastical Seal Matrix
13TH-14TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (26.1 grams, 40 mm).
Scaphoid matrix with strap and pierced lug to the reverse; median image of Mary enthroned beneath a canopy with infant Jesus on her lap, sharing a trefoil-headed sceptre; enigmatic dense blackletter legend to the rim; supplied with a museum-quality impression. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound Shaw, Wiltshire, UK, before 1974.
FootnotesShaw, a village noted in the Domesday survey, recorded a mere three poll-tax contributors in 1377, marking it as the Wiltshire village with the fewest taxpayers at that time. Likely abandoned in the early 15th century, Shaw became associated with Alton (the Alton in Wiltshire, not the one in Hampshire), with its agricultural lands consolidating with those of Alton. Today, one can only speculate about the challenges faced by the 10-20 residents who once called Shaw home.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1713
Medieval Bronze Vesica-Shaped Ecclesiastical Seal Matrix
Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
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'The Drayton' Medieval Gold Ring with Magical Inscription
1200-1300 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £7,150
The bezel developing to a low pyramid with lateral facets, surmounted by an inset cabochon sapphire set within an irregular cell; a quatrefoil plaque to each shoulder, and three more regularly placed around the shank; carinated hoop with magical Lombardic script '+NI ONAN NRIO ONIC / NIAI AINO ANIOI NAN'. 3.95 grams, 25.72 mm overall, 19.75 x 18.44 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)
Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Drayton, Vale of the White Horse, Oxfordshire, UK, on Sunday 16th September 2018 by Chris Weir. Declared as treasure under the Treasure Act with reference no.2018T853, subsequently disclaimed and returned to the finder. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.GLO-0BFB91. Accompanied by a letter from the finder describing the circumstances of finding. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12118-214086.
Many late medieval rings and brooches bear similarly meaningless inscriptions, perhaps due to the illiteracy of the engraver who nevertheless was aware that customers required an inscription, so provided one. Alternatively, since the text is composed from repeated sequences 'NI', 'AI', etc. based on an open syllabic structure, the words may be intended as a chant or magical charm. For discussion of such inscriptions see Evans, J., Magical Jewels of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Oxford, 1922, pp.121-132, for inscribed jewels. -
Medieval Gold and Garnet Amulet
Circa 12th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Bifacial hollow-formed pendant with garnet cabochons set in a cell of laminated gold granulation. 2.15 grams, 11 mm
Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s. Accompanied by a previous typed cataloguing card. -
Medieval 'Thames' Decorated Spangle Group
13th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Including rosette, advancing beast and other types; pierced for attachment. 1.51 grams total, 12-17 mm
Found Billingsgate spoil from the Thames foreshore, London, UK, circa 1984. Property of an Essex collector. Exhibited at the Capital Gains Exhibition in the Museum of London, circa 1970s, opened by Michael Wood.
