ENGLISH OR FRENCH, 13TH CENTURY
THE PROPERTY OF A LADY
ENGLISH OR FRENCH, 13TH CENTURY

RING BROOCH

Details
ENGLISH OR FRENCH, 13TH CENTURY
RING BROOCH
Gold with almandine garnets
The bifaceted face of the brooch inscribed with the Lombardic characters + IESVI ICIE NILV DAMI
7/8 in. (22 mm.) wide; 1/4 in. (5 mm.) high
Provenance
Discovered at Longman Parish, East Sussex (24/02/2016).
Literature
COMPARATIVE LITERATURE:
R. Lightbrown, Medieval European Jewellery, London, 1992, p. 492.

Brought to you by

Donald Johnston
Donald Johnston

Lot Essay

Ring brooches were an indispensable part of mediaeval dress, functioning both as ornament and, often, as a clasp to hold together the neck of a cloak or tunic. The present example is particularly rich in its materials. The inscription can be translated as 'I am here in place of a friend'.

A letter from The British Museum on behalf of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport accompanies the lot noting that the Crown's interest in this object has been disclaimed.

More from European Sculpture

View All
View All