PENDANT

A silver pendant of Post-Medieval, probably 17th century date.

The pendant is oval in plan and rectangular in section, made of four components, two sheets of silver cut in an oval shape, soldered onto the lengths of a rectangular sheet of silver that acts as the side of the pendant, and an inserted hinge and suspension loop in one. One sheet is hinged at the top. The hinge has a silver suspension loop projecting from it. This is circular with a small knop at the top. A further loop of silver wire is attached through the suspension loop.

The top, hinged face has a border of circumferential grooves with radiating triangles incised over them. The face bears an incised I H S, in which the uprights of the I and H are broad with further incised diagonal hatching within them. A cross iwth an extended lower limb and the other arms flared is positioned above the H, with the lower limb resting on the cross bar. Below the IHS inscription are three motifs radiating from the base of the central panel. They look like lily trumpets or crystals, and are depicted in three dimensions. They may be intended to be rays of light.

The opposite (back) face is has a border which matches the front. Across the centre are the letters MRA, with the uprights of the letters broad and filled with diagonal hatching.

The side of the locket is moulded into a central rounded ridge flanked by a groove on each side; a reel sort of shape. There is a circular hole in the base of the side, opposite the suspension loop.

The construction of the pendant suggests that it might be a reliquary pendant or Agnus Dei worn by a Catholic, with the names of Jesus and Mary (Maria) on it. The locket rattles so it is clear that something small is still being held internally.