Medieval Pewter Ring Brooch

The first a circular badge of St John the Baptist, his severed head depicted on the circular plate with small loop for attachment at the top, inscription reading 'SIGNVM S’ IOhIS BABTIS' with a horizontal stroke to the 'h' so that it doesbles as a cross; a small badge of the Archangel Michael, shown fully armored and holding a sword above his head having bested Satan in personal combat; the final badge in the form of a dolphin, a secular piece likely worn by a follower of the French Dauphiné Charles V. 10.5 grams total, 24-38 mm



Former Forgeais (1822-1878) collection, France, thence by family descent. Arthur Forgeais was a noted 19th-century French archaeologist. Born in 1822 in the city of Paris, Forgeais held a special interest and specialism in the medieval history of his home city. When, in the mid-19th century, the Seine was dredged during Haussmann's renovation of the city, the scholar worked to recover a great number of archaeological remains from the silts of the river. He subsequently published his findings in the five-volume title Collection of Historiated Leaves Found in the Seine and Collected by Arthur Forgeais (published 1862-1866). The present collection of pewter pilgrim badges, all French in origin, is likely to have been recovered at this time.

Including domed type with voided cross and pellets, and other types. 11.3 grams total, 29-33 mm



From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

Comprising three annular brooches, one with floral motifs, one with a raised cell with traces of inlay, and the smallest with an inscription of meaningless letters. 5.86 grams total, 14-30 mm



From the private collection of Graham Slater (1927-2024), Cambridge, UK; formed 1980s-1990s.