Medieval Enamelled Bronze Limoge Figure of a Saint

Vesica-shaped with median band flanked by crosses potent and legend 'COMENAL' and to the border 'S’ FRATRVM OSPITAL’ SCI’ TOME', supplied with an impression. 12.22 grams, 39 mm



Found Romney Marsh area, Kent, 1990-2015. Property of a Kent gentleman, a specialist medieval collector.

It seems this is the seal of the community of the Brothers of St. Thomas’s Hospital. There was more than one medieval hospital dedicated to St. Thomas Becket in the Middle Ages, e.g. the Hospital of St. Thomas the Martyr (Swale), and that of the same name in Eastbridge, Canterbury.

The bezel divided longitudinally into two sub-rectangular facets, each transversely concave, meeting in a pointed ridge at the middle; both facets engraved: the figure on the right a draped, mature and bearded male with an object on his left shoulder and raised hem to his robe, likely St. Christopher bearing the Christ child; the left-hand side with unidentified figure facing left; shoulders and hoop decorated with a continuation of the central rib develping to a row of beaded pellets; shoulders double faceted, each decorated with an incised branch of four flanking leaves and a pointed flower bud; hoop separated from the shoulders by notches flanking the beaded rib. 4.72 grams, 23.28 mm overall, 18.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Loders, Dorset, UK, on 1st November 2025, declared as Treasure under the Treasure Act with reference number 2025 T1471, subsequently disclaimed by the Crown and returned to the finder. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.DOR-B066F7. Accompanied by a copy of the report on the find of potential Treasure for H M Coroner with reference no.2025 T1471.

Similarly decorated examples can be found in the PAS database, including GLO-A3DF57 (2013 T653), SUSS-72DoD5 (2003 T318) and BM-D83D1C (2003 T84). These examples are dated to c. 1400 to 1550. Similar iconographic rings with dual- or triple-celled bezels are found in the British Museum’s collection (1891,1124.1 and 1871,0303.2), both dated to the 15th century. The latter features a recognisably similar depiction of St Christopher, albeit clearer and more detailed. The second figure on the ring is another saint, possibly Saint Barbara or St Margaret, although more defining details are obscured.

Shield-shaped seal matrix with a central design of a walking bird in the foreground, and a star, moon and possibly another bird in the back, surrounded by an inscription reading 'FRANGE LEGE TEGE*' for 'break, read, conceal'; suspension loop on the reverse; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 5.73 grams, 23 mm



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Hothfield, Kent, UK. 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-3A9381.