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LOT 0301
'The Bettiscombe' Medieval Gold 'Loyalty is Everything' Posy Ring
14TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (2.57 grams, 19.60 mm overall,17.39 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)).
An annular gold band with everted upper and lower lip, filigree ropework above and below each rim, with circumferential inscription to the recessed exterior face; of the five separate bands, the central one accommodating an applied strip of paler gold bearing a Medieval French blackletter inscription in relief, reading: '+loiautet (5 five cinquefoils) pas tout (5 five cinquefoils)', or 'Loyalty Passes All'; the inscription band may once have been enamelled; plain interior; the outer rim and twisted band on one edge are slightly bent; cleaned and repaired.
ProvenanceFound whilst searching with a metal detector in Bettiscombe, Dorset, UK, on 26th September 2019, and reported as a find of potential treasure to Ciorstaidh Hayward Trevarthen, Finds Liaison Officer.
Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report number DOR-551573.
Accompanied by a copy of a letter from the British Museum to H M Senior Coroner for Dorset disclaiming the Crown's interest in the treasure find with reference number 2019 T1075.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11656-197165.
Cf. The PAS database, record id. 2018 T881 (DOR-C010D8), for a ring of similar construction.
FootnotesThe PAS report states that Joan Evans notes a similar inscription- 'LOIALTE PASE TO' - found on plate and ornaments in the inventories of Louis d'Anjou and Louis de Valois, duc de Touraine...' in her book English Posies and Posy Rings.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0301
'The Bettiscombe' Medieval Gold 'Loyalty is Everything' Posy Ring
Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,160
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Romantic French Medieval Vesica-Shaped 'Love Conquers Everything' Seal Matrix
Circa 14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
A bronze vesica-shaped seal matrix with vertical strap and loop to the reverse; incuse motif of a bush and two perching birds, probably representing doves; legend to the edge within pointillé borders '* AMOR VINCIT OMNIA :·' (love conquers all). 13.2 grams, 35 mm
The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Acquired Libert, October 2008, lot 269. Matrix Collection catalogue no.2540. Many of the seals within the collection were published in a book titled 'The Matrix Collection', by David Morris in 2012. Accompanied by a copy of the illustrated collection notes.
Birds, especially doves, have long been associated with romance and love. -
'The Lonsdale' Medieval Silver Ring with Cross Pattee
Circa 12th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
A heavily patinated silver annular band, roughly rectangular in section decorated with a raised medial beaded band, plain raised bands above and below, and mounted lozengiform plaque displaying a central cross pattee; accompanied by a hinged ring box. 3.06 grams, 22.41 mm overall, 19.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 21.89, Japan 21)
Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Longsdale, Cumbia, UK, on Monday 1st January 1996, disclaimed and returned to the finder. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum’s Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.LANCUM-8541C5. -
Medieval Knife with Bronze Pommel and Veiled Figure
Circa 1500 A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
A scale tanged knife with iron blade and single cutting edge, wooden scales, bronze pommel incised with a richly-clothed veiled bust to one face and an enigmatic motif to the other; possibly maker's stamp to one face of blade. 33.3 grams, 19.7 cm long
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