Medieval Pewter Pilgrim's Badge

Comprising five thimbles of various sizes and types. 21.5 grams total, 15-22 mm



From various UK collections formed since the 1950s. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.

An ellipsoid seal matrix with a strap to the reverse; incuse motif of crowned Mary seated on a throne with infant Jesus; legend to the edge within pelletted borders '*hERVIV’ ECC[’]E SWINThORPE’ MA’ (Harvey, rector of the church of Great Swainsthorpe); later replacement loop to the verso. 5.29 grams, 24 mm



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Found near the site of the church of Saint Mary in October 2002. Recorded with Norwich Castle Museum, retained for consideration as Treasure and subsequently returned to the finder. Matrix Collection catalogue no.1036. 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 illustrated collection notes. Accompanied by a copy of Norwich Castle Museum record slip no.9724 SWAINSTHORPE (G. Linton m/d Oct 02). This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11655-198742.

The village of Swainsthorpe is situated in Norfolk, some few miles to the south of Norwich and once boasted two churches (one now ruined). Recorded and assessed by the Secretary of State’s Expert Adviser as an object of cultural interest. The RCEWA reviewed an export application and determined that it meets the third Waverley criterion, making it currently non-exportable.

An annular brooch with pelletted edges, six garnet cabochons adorning the brooch, each in a tall closed setting; inscribed on the front 'VIVAMTINVNOANI', the reverse inscribed with 'AMORIVNTVANVNTVI' divided between two palmettes. 8.76 grams, 38 mm



Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12989-245987.

Both inscriptions can be interpreted differently according to the order of their reading; the front can be read ‘IN JUNO ANI VIVAM TI’, which roughly translates as ‘May I live for you in the fastening’, alternatively ‘VIVAM[vs] IN VNO ANI[mo]’ which roughly translates as ‘Let us live as one soul’. The back reads: 'AMORIVNTVANVNTVI' ‘AMOR[is]    IVN[c]T[i]    ANVNTIV[s]’ which roughly translates as ‘a message of joint love’. The inscriptions on the brooch serve as metaphors, linking its function of fastening materials to the binding of lovers in medieval romance. Gift-giving was central to courtly love, and the brooch symbolised both affection and protection, reminding the wearer of the giver’s love while also warding off unwanted advances.