Medieval Lead Seal Matrix of Walter Gleive

Comprising six rings with decorative bezels, one with a split hoop. 20.86 grams total, 17-22 mm



Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

One of the rings in this collection is a Medieval signet ring. Signet rings in the Middle Ages were often made entirely of metal – gold for the wealthiest individuals and silver or bronze for those with lesser means.

With applied outer layer of gold engraved with flowers and the words, “en bon an” (twice) (‘a good year’); the flat bezel with a recessed centre set with a medieval mother-of-pearl intaglio depicting a male bust in profile; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 4.72 grams, 23.64 mm overall, 20.45 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Dorset, UK, on Sunday, 30th December 2018. Acquired on the English art market. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.DEV-5E4EDA. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13069-248371.

The inscription is in black letter appears to read “en bon an”, a good year. The inscription is paralleled on a good number of 15th century rings, often also decorated with flowers and branches between the words, such as British Museum catalogue numbers AF.1057 and 1960,1103.1.

Discoid with slit to rim and remains of attachment pin; incuse legend to rim: '* S' RICARDI LEMVNER' (seal of Richard the Miller). 17.7 grams, 33 mm



Found Norfolk, UK.