Medieval Seal Matrix with the Virgin and Child

Comprising a D-section hoop with the shoulders formed as stylised beast-heads, a discoid bezel with fleur-de-lys. 5.01 grams, 22.48 mm overall, 18.86 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)



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

A circular bezel with a stylised flower decoration is soldered onto a thin ribbon-shaped link, which is flat on the inside and has two grooves on the outside. The style of the bezel decoration is Western Medieval, although the ring’s style finds parallels in specimens of Eastern Europe.

Vesica-shaped seal with central motif of the Virgin Mary enthroned and holding the Christ Child, set within an architectural framework; surrounding Lombardicscript legend reading: SISLVnT · ALnD · GRAnO · AnIMA · IOhIS (formula invoking prayer for the soul of John). 25.9 grams, 42 mm



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Little Houghton, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (mPAS) report no.LEIC-27E12C.

Such inscriptions are characteristic of personal seals used by clerical or devout lay owners.

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.