Medieval Gold Amulet with Cabochon Garnets

A bronze discoid seal matrix with strap and pierced lug to the reverse; central incuse motif of an uprooted tree; border with poinitllé edges and incuse text "+ S' DEL COSOLAT DALIO :' (seal of the consulate of Alio); Italian workmanship. 13.5 grams, 28 mm



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Ex Du Cogner Archives, published 1940, no.12. Matrix Collection catalogue no.1112. Many of the seals within the collection were published in a book titled 'The Matrix Collection', by David Morris in 2012. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant catalogue and title pages from: Chappee, J., Archives Du Cogner, Le Mans, 1940.

An annular gold band with everted upper and lower lip, filigree ropework above and below each rim, with circumferential inscription to the recessed exterior face; of the five separate bands, the central one accommodating an applied strip of paler gold bearing a Medieval French blackletter inscription in relief, reading: '+loiautet (5 five cinquefoils) pas tout (5 five cinquefoils)', or 'Loyalty Passes All'; the inscription band may once have been enamelled; plain interior; the outer rim and twisted band on one edge are slightly bent; cleaned and repaired. 2.57 grams, 19.60 mm overall,17.39 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Bettiscombe, Dorset, UK, on 26th September 2019, and reported as a find of potential treasure to Ciorstaidh Hayward Trevarthen, Finds Liaison Officer. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report number DOR-551573. Accompanied by a copy of a letter from the British Museum to H M Senior Coroner for Dorset disclaiming the Crown's interest in the treasure find with reference number 2019 T1075. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11656-197165.

The PAS report states that Joan Evans notes a similar inscription- 'LOIALTE PASE TO' - found on plate and ornaments in the inventories of Louis d'Anjou and Louis de Valois, duc de Touraine...' in her book English Posies and Posy Rings.

A copper-alloy seal ring with discoid plaque engraved with a blundered legend, seemingly 'IC[ ]VVVI'. 4.08 grams, 20.91 mm overall, 18.14 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman.