Medieval Gilt Bronze Buckle with Plate

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. 26.1 grams, 40 mm



Found Shaw, Wiltshire, UK, before 1974.

Shaw, 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.

A papal bulla seal of Pope Martin V, with 'MAR / TINVS / PP. V' within a beaded circle to one face, two stylised facing heads of St Peter and St Paul to the other, cross between, 'SPA SPE' above. 51.9 grams, 37 mm



Property of a Bristol, UK, gentleman.

Comprising a round-section hoop with an applied floral bezel, small pellet between each petal; decorative wire wrapped around the hoop on each side of the bezel, probably modified from an earlier Hellenistic earring. 2.88 grams, 20.87 mm overall, 16.33 x 15.63 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)



From the property of the late Mr SM, London, UK, 1969-1999.