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LOT 1275
Medieval 'Thames' Crowned Bust Pilgrim's Badge
CIRCA 14TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (1.78 grams, 22 mm).
An openwork lead badge composed of a crowned facing male bust within a roundel bearing the inscription '+ IANCOVLMASE'; complete with pin. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound on the Thames foreshore, London, UK.
Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985.
Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK.
Spencer, B., Pilgrim Souvenirs and Secular Badges, Medieval Finds from Excavations in London, London, 2010, p.324, item 323f.
FootnotesThis 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.
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:
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Large French Medieval Vesica-Shaped Seal Matrix 'ad causas' of the Augustinian Abbey of Saint Peter
Early 14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £650
A bronze vesica-shaped seal matrix with strap and loop to the reverse; incuse motif of an extended right hand holding a crozier on a field of fleurs-de-lys and stars, heraldic shield with lion rampant below; Lombardic script legend to the outer edge within borders "+ S: ABBATIS SCI PETRI AVTYS A[D] CAVSAS" (seal of the abbot of St Peter's, Auxerre). 17.7 grams, 42 mm
The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Matrix Collection catalogue no.837. 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 Roman name for Auxerre was Autissiodorum, whence the 'Autys'/'Autis' abbreviation. -
'The Lonsdale' Medieval Silver Ring with Cross Pattee
Circa 12th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
A heavily patinated silver annular band, roughly rectangular in section decorated with a raised medial beaded band, plain raised bands above and below, and mounted lozengiform plaque displaying a central cross pattee; accompanied by a hinged ring box. 3.06 grams, 22.41 mm overall, 19.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 21.89, Japan 21)
Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Longsdale, Cumbia, UK, on Monday 1st January 1996, disclaimed and returned to the finder. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum’s Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.LANCUM-8541C5. -
Medieval Steelyard Weight with Heraldic Shields
Circa 1260-1300 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £279
A substantial bronze weight for use with a steelyard balance with lead core, spherical in form with pierced flange for suspension above and hatched band to the shoulder; three heater shields with raised heraldic arms spaced equally around the body, etched geometric band of chevrons above. 379 grams, 54 mm high
Fine condition.
Found by Adrian Gayler, Essex, UK. Property of an Essex gentleman. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Treasure Hunting Magazine pages where it has been published.
These heraldic steelyard weights were made under the official sanction of Richard (son of King Henry III) or Edmund, Duke of Cornwall on behalf of the King; Edmund died in 1300 A.D. and such weights were banned in 1350 so that this example would most likely to be of the period 1260-1300 A.D.; the Hanseatic League was created in Germany to protect the interests and privileges of merchants in the medieval period, starting in Europe and with influence spreading to England from the 13th century.
