Medieval 'Thames' Artefact Collection

A silver chessman-type seal matrix with pierced trefoil head and knop above; central motif of a leopard statant gardant before a tree, pelletted border and blackletter legend '* sigillum [lozenge] steffani [cinquefoil cinquefoil] ale [cinquefoil lozenge] lane' (for 'seal of Stephen [at?] ale lane'). 20.5 grams, 36 mm



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Ex Brand Inglis of Motcomb Street, London, UK, in 1988. Matrix Collection catalogue no.8. 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 an original invoice from Brand Inglis to David Morris dated 29th November 1988. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11653-198740.

A group of two silver heraldic seal matrices connected by a substantial silver chain of later date with a rivetted shackle at each end passing through the pierced finials; Seal A: chessman-type with pierced trefoil finial, four small points close to the edge for alignment of the design; pounced field with reserved florid panel and central heater shield flanked by fronds; heraldic design of three birds' heads in profile and horizontal pounced bar blazoned 'Sable a fess between three eagles' heads erased or', the arms of the Beaubois family; raised outer rim with running vine-scroll detailing with the letters S - R - D - G at the cardinal points; Seal B: chessman-type with pierced knop finial above a pierced lozenge on a bulb with stepped profile; small 'x' by the edge for alignment of the design; heater shield surmounted by a profile eagle's head with beak open, pinions extending around the shoulders of the shield developing to an encircling feathered band with frond below the base; heraldic device of three stars above a dagged border and ermine below 'Ermine, on a chief indented gules three estoiles or'; the arms of the Estcourt family, blackletter legend to the border 'sigillum ibith escourt cleri[c]i' with contraction line above the 'b' letter {seal of [?] Es(t)court, cleric). 52.7 grams, 37 cm long



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Ex old English jewellery collection. A Georgian period fob chain assemblage. Matrix Collection catalogue nos.5509 & 5510. Many of the seals within the collection were published in a book titled 'The Matrix Collection', by David Morris in 2012. Accompanied by copies of illustrated collection notes for both seals. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11654-198734.

This pair of seals most likely became united following the mid-15th century (full date not known) marriage of John de la Estcourt and Alice Beaubois; their only son, also John, died in 1474 A.D.

A mixed group of lead-alloy pilgrim's badge fragments comprising: a standing figure beside the nave of a church; a facing mask with curly hair; a profile figure with hands raised to the chin in prayer; a pin with discoid plate, facing mask within a beaded border (perhaps John the Baptist). 7.5 grams total, 16-25 mm



Found on the Thames foreshore, London, UK. Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK.