Medieval Lead Lid with Floral Cross

Annular brooch decorated with leopard heads, each originally with gem-set eyes, with two blue glass cabochons on each side of the pin. 1.18 grams, 14 mm



From the collection of Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

An annular brooch is a type of brooch that is circular in shape, forming a complete ring. They were worn by both men and women of all social classes. The word 'annular' comes from the Latin word 'annulus', meaning ring. These brooches were popular in medieval Europe, particularly from the 13th to 15th centuries, and were used to fasten clothing such as tunics and cloaks.

Discoid type depicting a bearded face within a raised border of annulets, each with a pellet at its centre; integrally cast pin to reverse. 2.97 grams, 20 mm



Found Alford, Lincolnshire, UK. Recorded with UKDFD no.49065.

The badge possibly represents the head of John the Baptist on a platter, but an alternative interpretation is that it depicts the face of Christ in a form known as the 'Vernicle' or 'Veronica', which arises from the legend that the face of Christ was miraculously impressed on the handkerchief or veil that Saint Veronica gave to him to wipe his face on the way to Calvary. In support of the case for this interpretation, Spencer illustrates another circular badge of generally similar type (No. 254c), but with a border inscribed with the first line of a popular 14th-century prayer composed in honour of the Vernicle. In support of the case for the John the Baptist interpretation, some very similar badges depict a rather dishevelled head with a sharply couped neck.

With voided lozenge bow and pierced lugs to the edges, tubular shaft with rounded forward end, split ward with bits. 142 grams, 15.6 cm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.