Spanish Medieval Socarrat Wall Tile Showing Saints Cosmas and Damian

Featuring a large round-section hoop and raised cell set with a polished sapphire cabochon. 2.03 grams, 26.68 mm overall, 19.10 x 19.45 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13388-258005.

During the Middle Ages, gemstones were often associated with magical and protective properties they were believed to possess. Gemstones could protect against evil or poisons, as well as heightening the individual’s characteristics and strengths. Sapphires were frequently worn by Bishops and other clergy, due to their ability to promote their bearer’s chastity and piety. Sapphires were believed to be able to change colour if the wearer acted sinfully or lacked faith; it was because of this belief that jewels set with sapphires were worn as symbols of honesty and devout faith.

Heater-shaped body with pierced suspension lug; low-relief reserved design of three lions passant gardant on a red-enamelled field, label placed overall in fess designating 'first son' status. 15.3 grams, 47 mm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Lancashire, UK, collector.

With a hexagonal-section facetted handle tapering to a collar of three ridges and openwork trefoil terminal; the face of the matrix with incised heater shield and heraldic arms: a bend and crescent top right; within a trefoil arched tressure a Latin inscription: ' * AVE MARIA GRACIA PLENA' meaning: 'Hail Mary, full of grace'; possibly the arms of the de Blanchfort or de Molay family. 12.41 grams, 27 mm high



Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Charlton Marshall, North Dorset, on 16 February 2022 by John Earley; recorded as Treasure with Treasure case tracking no.2022T500, and subsequently disclaimed by the Crown. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.DOR-771829. Accompanied by a copy of the report on a find of potential Treasure for H M Coroner from Charlton Marshall, Dorset. Accompanied by a copy of a letter from the British Museum informing the finder that the Crown's interest in the find has been disclaimed.

The basic heraldic design (the arms) comprises just a bend (diagonal stripe). The crescent is a mark of cadency, denoting the second son i.e. the younger brother of the heir apparent. The basic 'bend' motif appears in many heraldic designs, such as the arms of the de Blanchfort or de Molay families, amongst others. The heraldry of the town of Chaussin (Jura, France) is similar (bend and crescent) but these arms are not known to have been borne by a family.