Norman Bronze Hinged Swivel with Facing Rearing Beasts

Comprising a circular stone with an incised cross to one side and a series of 13 heraldic hearts to the other; a bronze cross pendant with annulet-in-circle motifs to one side. 47 grams total, 30-36 mm



From an old Worcestershire, UK collection. The Kusmirek Collection, UK.

The copper-alloy pendant appears to be cross-shaped with the top arm forming the suspension loop. It is therefore possible to consider the pendant to be T-shaped, in the form of the Greek letter Tau. These Tau crosses often acted as miniature reliquaries which are thought to have contained a herbal compound that was used to treat the symptoms of St Anthony's fire.

Wearing frivolous expressions with their hands around each other's shoulders, their faces and period garments rendered with semi-naturalistic detailing. 13 kg, 32 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

With twisted-band detailing to the hoop, bezel formed as two hands supporting a heart and a crown with openwork detailing; marked to the inner face with PAS reference number '11089'. 3.70 grams, 22.70 mm overall, 19.57 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)

Fine condition.

Found while searching with a metal detector near Romney, Folkestone and Hythe, Kent, UK, on Wednesday 1st August 2018. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.KENT-11089B. Accompanied by a copy of letters from the Coroner confirming that the Crown's interest in the ring under treasure reference no.2018T662 has been disclaimed. Accompanied by copies of receipts from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport.