Medieval Silver-Gilt Hat Pin with Inscription

CIRCA 15TH CENTURY A.D.

3/4 in. (2.2 grams, 20 mm).

Engraved within a raised segmented border, 'ihc' within crude heart to centre, 'miserere mei deus' around for 'Have mercy on me oh God' (Psalm 51); hook to reverse. [No Reserve]

Provenance

From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.

Literature

Cf. The British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme, record id. SWYOR-AC49A6 which similarly bears the sacred monogram, 'ihc' at the centre of a heart and is surrounded by an inscription as yet undeciphered, and SOM-1A6608, which also bears a religious inscription, 'trinitati laus et
honor'; types of hook are a characteristic category of Tudor dress accessory used to embellish the hats of high status individuals and are discussed by Gaimster et al. (2002: 169-173).

CONDITION

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LOT 1694