Tudor 'Thames' Pewter Hanger Type Pilgrim's Badge

Depicting a robed and nimbate figure of Saint Eleutherios, facing, hands gesturing in front of his chest, text in Greek across left and right fields reading 'O Aγιος Ἐλευθέριος,' (Saint Eleutherios). 596 grams, 33.5 cm



Ex French gallery, Paris.

As bishop in Illyricum, Eleutherios promoted Christianity at a time when the persecutions not only made it difficult to win and hold converts, but also at a time when it was very dangerous to be a high-ranking prelate of the church. Oblivious to this threat, he was acclaimed in the inner circle of Christianity as the brightest luminary of Christian Rome since the apostles. His immense popularity grew and thereby became more dangerous to the state. He was finally brought to the attention of Emperor Hadrian, who ordered his arrest, tortured and put him to death on December 15th.

Ellipsoid bezel with claw setting for a polychrome glass bead, lion motif to the underside, stud beneath the hoop; glass cabochon possibly an ancient glass bead made by folding melting glass. 6.63 grams, 30.60 mm overall, 18.57 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



Acquired by the vendor's father on the UK art market, before 1990.

Composed of a broad hoop with gusseted rose-gold equator. 8.29 grams, 22.63 mm overall, 19.57 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 21.89, Japan 21)



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.