Medieval 'Thames' Silver-Gilt Lozenge-Shaped Brooch

Drum-shaped body with raised net decoration on the sides, the top with a complicated floral cross and pellets. 7.81 grams, 23 mm



Acquired on the European coin market. Property of a Kent, UK, gentleman.

Featuring a narrow hoop and expanding shoulders, a conical bezel with four petals, set with a pale purple glass gem. 1.64 grams, 23.82 mm overall, 17.73 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

The first a circular badge of St John the Baptist, his severed head depicted on the circular plate with small loop for attachment at the top, inscription reading 'SIGNVM S’ IOhIS BABTIS' with a horizontal stroke to the 'h' so that it doesbles as a cross; a small badge of the Archangel Michael, shown fully armored and holding a sword above his head having bested Satan in personal combat; the final badge in the form of a dolphin, a secular piece likely worn by a follower of the French Dauphiné Charles V. 10.5 grams total, 24-38 mm



Former Forgeais (1822-1878) collection, France, thence by family descent. Arthur Forgeais was a noted 19th-century French archaeologist. Born in 1822 in the city of Paris, Forgeais held a special interest and specialism in the medieval history of his home city. When, in the mid-19th century, the Seine was dredged during Haussmann's renovation of the city, the scholar worked to recover a great number of archaeological remains from the silts of the river. He subsequently published his findings in the five-volume title Collection of Historiated Leaves Found in the Seine and Collected by Arthur Forgeais (published 1862-1866). The present collection of pewter pilgrim badges, all French in origin, is likely to have been recovered at this time.