Medieval Icon of Pope Benedict XI

A bone item, likely the hilt of a knife, composed of a slightly tapering cuboid body with a thin piece of bone sandwiched between the two halves, one face ornamented with ring-and-dot motifs along the length of the body, crosses formed at regular intervals, one face with diagonal hatching, one face with columns composed of ring-and-dot motifs, one face with vertical hatching. 19.77 grams, 70 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired 1960s-1990s. Private collection of the late Alison Barker, a retired London barrister.

The careful repairs in antiquity suggest that this item was greatly treasured by its owner.

A gold posy ring composed of a waisted band with pearled and raised upper and lower borders, each decorated with a circumferential ring of pellets, the central section engraved with a blackletter French inscription: 'nul ce bien' ('none so well'), each word separated by sunbursts and flowers; plain interior. 1.83 grams, 18.11 mm overall, 16.35 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector by Kevin Ford on 25th January 2020 in Chinnor, South Oxfordshire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme Report (PAS) number OXON-FF9F8E. Accompanied by a letter to HM Coroner for Oxfordshire from the Treasure Registrar at the British Museum disclaiming the Crown's interest in the ring with treasure reference number 2020 T76. Accompanied by a letter from the finder detailing the circumstances of the find. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11657-196665.

French Gothic blackletter inscriptions on finger rings were associated with the culture of chivalry and courtly love; a historic example of gifts and tokens as expressions of love. Some scholars note that black letter inscriptions are prevalent on love rings between the 13th-15th centuries. Although such rings could be both English and French in origin, it is believed that most were English, with French inscriptions. Note that the PAS offers a different interpretation of the inscription on this ring.

A substantial bronze weight for use with a steelyard balance with lead core, spherical in form with pierced flange for suspension above and hatched band to the shoulder; three heater shields with raised heraldic arms spaced equally around the body, etched geometric band of chevrons above. 379 grams, 54 mm high

Fine condition.

Found by Adrian Gayler, Essex, UK. Property of an Essex gentleman. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Treasure Hunting Magazine pages where it has been published.

These heraldic steelyard weights were made under the official sanction of Richard (son of King Henry III) or Edmund, Duke of Cornwall on behalf of the King; Edmund died in 1300 A.D. and such weights were banned in 1350 so that this example would most likely to be of the period 1260-1300 A.D.; the Hanseatic League was created in Germany to protect the interests and privileges of merchants in the medieval period, starting in Europe and with influence spreading to England from the 13th century.