Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0340
'The Otterington Hall' Medieval Inscribed Iconographic Gold Ring with Saint Christopher
1450-1550 A.D.
3/4 in. (3.26 grams, 18.91 mm overall, 16.51 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I 1/2, USA 4 1/2, Europe 8.07, Japan 7)).
With a flat rectangular bezel engraved with an image of Saint Christopher carrying the Christ child on his back, the hoop extending on either side of the bezel and having a twisted design creating facetted shoulders with transverse ridges extending from each side of the bezel; each smaller shoulder facet engraved with six projecting rays, each larger side with engraved blackletter texts 'pur' and 'bone' meaning 'for good (fortune)’/ ‘for the best'; a foliate design present between the bezel and text, and each word followed by an engraved flower, the remainder of the hoop with a twisted ropework design; heavily worn by its original owner creating a desirable natural finger shape connecting the wearer with the original owner.
Provenance
Found whilst searching with a metal detector in South Otterington, Hambleton, North Yorkshire, UK, on 28 November 2024, by James Sweeney; declared as a Treasure under the Treasure Act with reference no.2024 T1402, and subsequently disclaimed by the Crown.
Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.YORYM-AED39E.
Accompanied by a copy of a letter from the Office of the Senior Coroner for North Yorkshire and York, explaining that the Crown's interest in this find has been disclaimed.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12990-244092.
Literature
Cf. the same legend is found on another gold ring on the PAS database, CAM-7051BC; see also Oman, C., British Rings, 800-1914, 1974, pl.65, for a further iconographic ring featuring Saint Christopher.
Footnotes
Saint Christopher, the patron of travellers, was one of the most popular saints in the Middle Ages. As a supposed early Christian martyr, he was thought to give protection against death from the plague.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0340
'The Otterington Hall' Medieval Inscribed Iconographic Gold Ring with Saint Christopher
Sold for (Inc. bp): £7,150
RELATED LOTS
-
Medieval Lead 'JOHN SON OF ADAM' Personal Seal Matrix
Circa 13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Discoid in plan with lug to rear (unpierced); central cross pommy with interstitial bars; legend to the border 'S’ IOhIS: FILI ADE' (seal of John son of Adam). 19.9 grams, 34.5 mm
Found Kent. From the later Peter Hooper Pewter and Lead collection, who was a guest lecturer at West Dean College a longtime member of the Pewter Society, who contributed to the Pewter Society Magazine. -
Medieval Silver Ring with Scroll Cross
Circa 15th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Comprising a D-section hoop and openwork discoid bezel with scrollwork cross motif. 2.55 grams, 21.84 mm overall, 19.18 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Medieval Lead Pilgrim's Badge with Saint Paul
Circa 14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
Fragment with portion of a beaded border, profile bust and raised hand holding a sword, 'SPA' legend above. 2.36 grams, 24 mm
From a private Merseyside, UK, collection; formed since circa 2000.