Post Medieval Silver Retainer's Badge

Comprising a folded length of thin leather or vellum, with lines of Ge'ez text in black and red ink, coloured figural illuminations at the top depicting the winged Archangel Michael brandishing a sword, wearing a richly decorated lembd as a covering cloak. 32 grams, 35 cm



Stephen Keynes collection (1927-2017). Ex central London gallery.

Ethiopian phylacteries or parchment scrolls combined apotropaic prayers and images. These ‘magic scrolls’ utilise only a few designs that derive from Christian imagery, namely the holy rider, the sword-bearing angel Michael, and the cross. Here the text asks intervention and protection from Saint Michael, commander of the heavenly Host. Interestingly, the accoutrement of the Angel reflects that of the military Ethiopian elite in 19th century A.D.

Comprising: an openwork griddle with fish; rectangular example with openwork volute lug and beaded design to one face; rectangular plaque displaying fish scales. 12.4 grams total, 30-39 mm



Found Thames foreshore spoil, 1980s.

The D-section hoop with plain exterior, the interior inscribed 'Godly love will not remove', followed by maker's mark 'JK' in a rectangular cartouche. 4.17 grams, 21.73 mm overall, 18.94 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)



Ex Albert Ward collection, 1974-1985. East Anglian private collection.

In the medieval period many rings bore posy inscriptions in Latin or French, the languages frequently spoken by the affluent elites. Later, inscriptions in English became more usual, although the lack of standardisation in spelling might surprise the modern reader. The inscription is generally found on the interior of the ring, hidden to everyone except the wearer and most of the sentimental mottoes were taken from the popular literature of the time. In fact, love inscriptions often repeat each other, which suggests that goldsmiths used stock phrases. In the later 16th century, ‘posy’ specifically meant a short inscription. A posy is described in contemporary literature as a short ‘epigram’ of less than one verse. George Puttenham (1589) explained that these phrases were not only inscribed on finger rings, but also applied to arms and trenchers. The practice of giving rings engraved with mottoes at betrothals or weddings was common in England from the 16th century onwards, and continued until the late 18th century. Sources suggest that rings could be acquired ready- engraved, or alternatively engraved sometime after their initial production, by a hand other than the goldsmith’s. Joan Evans assumed that posy rings were principally used by/between lovers and distinguished four contexts for the giving of posy rings by one lover to another: betrothals, weddings, St Valentine’s Day and occasions of mourning. Samuel Pepys’ diary makes clear that posy rings might also mark the marriage of a family member, when bearers could even commission their own rings and chose their own mottoes from books. The rings could also function as tokens of friendship or loyalty.