Medieval 'Thames' Secular Badge Collection

A substantial bronze vesica-shaped seal matrix with ribbed strap and pierced lug to the reverse; incuse motif of a gothic-style canopy and balustered column over two figures: St John the Baptist to the left in floor-length robe and textured dalmatic holding a figure of the Agnus Dei in his folded arms, Mary Magdalen to the right in floor-length robe and veil holding ointment-pot and a book; below, facing tonsured male kneeling with hands clasped in prayer; Lombardic script legend to the border within beaded lines 'S' BALD' PRIORIS · S · IONIS · DEVANDAO' (seal of Bald[win] prior of St. John of Vand[...]). 23.7 grams, 49 mm



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Matrix Collection catalogue no.835. 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 old hand written record card in French.

The manor of Vendeuil in the département of l'Aisne, northern France, was known as Vendolium Castrum in 1088 A.D. and may be the place referred to in the legend here.

A mixed group of bronze finger rings including one with hatched detailing to the shoulders and bezel. 73 grams total, 17-26 mm



Acquired in the 1970s. Important European collection.

An icon from a possible triptych of Veneto-Cretan School depicting nimbate Saint Francis of Assisi, wearing the brown habit of the Franciscan order, fitted with a hood, facing towards the right, a red book in his left hand with the inscription Vera S. Francisci effigies(true portrait of Saint Francis); mounted in a perspex display frame. 152 grams, 20 cm high



Property of a London lady, part of her family's collection.

With the conquest of Crete by the Venetians, Latin saints were introduced to Byzantine iconography. Saint Francis was one of the most beloved Latin saints among the Cretan faithful, depicted in the iconography of Cretan Orthodox churches, including the Panaghia Kera of Kritsa (13th-14th century A.D.). This figure was probably part of a triptych, having at the centre the image of the Mother of God with the Child, or a Desis. The placement of Francis in this icon would suggests the owner’s strong affiliation with the Franciscan order, which had a strong presence on Crete from the 13th century onwards. It was believed that Saint Francis himself stopped on the island on his way to the Holy Land in 1219.