Stone Pendant Group with Rubies

Barrel-shaped with two impressed flat faces, one with a later engraving of a guilloche border and looped tendrils framing reserved initials 'PO P[R]' above and lower 'NU [.]M'; possibly a touchpiece or love token. 5.53 grams, 17 mm



Acquired since the 1970s. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by a copy of the article 'A Roman or Anglo-Saxon Fertility Amulet?' published in Treasure Hunting Magazine.

The design is reserved and very faint; the outer guilloche is quite convincing but the details of the design are hard to determine, and may always have been quite indistinct. The impression is of a 17th century love token with the initials of the couple. The finder's article implies an Anglo-Saxon date, probably on the strength of the guilloche which was often use on early Saxon metalwork - but it is a long-lived motif and not specific to that one period.

Presenting a scalloped frame and bifacial black enamelled detailing: one side with the Crucifixion scene, niello 'IC XC' in the field, two saints at the foot of the cross, scrolling borders; the reverse with 'IC XC / NI KA' over two lines with cross between; articulate and facetted loop. 30.9 grams, 51 mm



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.

A small reliquary pendant, possibly containing the remains of cloth or bone of a saint. The relics had to be kept in containers that expressed the dignity of their contents: chests, cases and, of course, reliquaries. This also applied to personal relics, often in the form of pendants, which were sometimes made in gold and silver.

Group of two mounts, each a rectangular tongue and stylised grotesque mask with pellet eyes. 430 grams total, 11.2-11.4 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1970-1990s. Accompanied by a previous catalogue information card.