Loading, please wait...
LOT 1273
Medieval Silver-Gilt Fede Ring
13TH-14TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (2.69 grams, 24.69 mm overall, 22.78 mm internal diameter (approximate size British X, USA 11 1/2, Europe 26.23, Japan 25)).
A silver-gilt fede ring composed of a flat-section hoop with expanded bottom section and quatrefoil bezel; the hoop engraved with alternating vertical and horizontal hatched panels with expanded central section crudely engraved with clasped hands; bezel engraved with a cross embellished with cross-hatching in each quarter of the field.
ProvenanceFound near Brookland, Kent, UK, 2007.
Property of a Kent gentleman.
Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no. KENT-299A33.
Accompanied by a copy of two letters from the British Museum and report for HM Coroner for Treasure case T493.
Accompanied by a valuation letter and another from Peter D Spencer.
Accompanied by a provisional treasure valuation for the Treasure Valuation Committee.
Cf. The British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme database, record id. LEIC-C4F333, for similar; see Jones, M., The Secret Middle Ages, Stroud, 2002, pp.216-20.
FootnotesThe quatrefoil bezel is in the form of a truelove (paris quadrifolia) as the plant was called in Middle English. Two fifteenth-century wills include the bequest of rings in the shape of a truelove: in 1407 an anulum argenti operatum cum uno trewlove [silver ring fashioned with a truelove] and in 1464, unum anulum argenti et deauratum cum uno trew lofe [a silver and silver-gilt ring with a truelove] On seals the device is most often accompanied by the legend LEL AMI AVET [you have a true love] confirming its identification with faithful love, and on a matrix recently unearthed [PAS database SWYOR-B7EDA9] the characteristic four veined leaves are surrounded by the posy, IS SVI FLVRE/ DE FINN AMVVR [I am the flower of perfect love].
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Medieval 'Thames' Crowned Bust Pilgrim's Badge
Circa 14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
An openwork lead badge composed of a crowned facing male bust within a roundel bearing the inscription '+ IANCOVLMASE'; complete with pin. 1.78 grams, 22 mm
Found on the Thames foreshore, London, UK. Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK.
This enigmatic inscription has been found on other similar badges, but is yet to be satisfactorily understood. It is possibly associated with the cult of Edward the Confessor or representing the head of John the Baptist. -
English Medieval Silver Vesica-Shaped Seal Matrix for Tailor Roger Simion
Circa 1290-1340 A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £819
A silver vesica-shaped seal matrix with strap and pierced lug to the reverse; incuse motif of a pair of shears between two small fleurs-de-lys; Lombardic script legend within borders '* S' ROGER · SIMION' (seal of Roger Simion). 14.4 grams, 33 mm
The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Matrix Collection catalogue no.0310. 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.
The shears in the design may indicate that Roger was a tailor. -
'The Chinnor' Medieval Gold 'None So Well' Decorated Posy Ring
Circa 1400-1500 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,210
A gold posy ring composed of a waisted band with pearled and raised upper and lower borders, each decorated with a circumferential ring of pellets, the central section engraved with a blackletter French inscription: 'nul ce bien' ('none so well'), each word separated by sunbursts and flowers; plain interior. 1.83 grams, 18.11 mm overall, 16.35 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)
Found whilst searching with a metal detector by Kevin Ford on 25th January 2020 in Chinnor, South Oxfordshire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme Report (PAS) number OXON-FF9F8E. Accompanied by a letter to HM Coroner for Oxfordshire from the Treasure Registrar at the British Museum disclaiming the Crown's interest in the ring with treasure reference number 2020 T76. Accompanied by a letter from the finder detailing the circumstances of the find. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11657-196665.
French Gothic blackletter inscriptions on finger rings were associated with the culture of chivalry and courtly love; a historic example of gifts and tokens as expressions of love. Some scholars note that black letter inscriptions are prevalent on love rings between the 13th-15th centuries. Although such rings could be both English and French in origin, it is believed that most were English, with French inscriptions. Note that the PAS offers a different interpretation of the inscription on this ring.
