Medieval Bulbous Thimble

A substantial bronze discoid seal matrix with strap and loop to the reverse; central incuse motif of a bull passant gardant with war hammer below, border with pointillé edges and enigmatic Lombardic script legend '·+· S' FERA bOVIS D'CVMIS' (seal of the wild bull of Cumis). 20.5 grams 32 mm



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Matrix Collection catalogue no.1111. Many of the seals within the collection were published in a book titled 'The Matrix Collection', by David Morris in 2012.

A gold finger ring comprising a slender hoop developing to claw-shaped shoulders with reserved acanthus motif on a pounced field; tall pie-dish bezel with recessed sides, claw setting for the gemstone; repaired and polished, absent original stone replaced with a facetted ruby. 2.41 grams, 24.20 mm overall, 17.40 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Purbeck, Dorset, UK, in 2019. Declared as Treasure and disclaimed with treasure reference 2020 T34. Property of a Sussex, UK, teacher. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme report no.DOR-C7C656. Accompanied by a copy of a letter from the British Museum disclaiming the Crown's interest in the ring.

A heavily patinated silver annular band, roughly rectangular in section decorated with a raised medial beaded band, plain raised bands above and below, and mounted lozengiform plaque displaying a central cross pattee; accompanied by a hinged ring box. 3.06 grams, 22.41 mm overall, 19.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 21.89, Japan 21)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Longsdale, Cumbia, UK, on Monday 1st January 1996, disclaimed and returned to the finder. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum’s Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.LANCUM-8541C5.