Rights Holder: The Portable Antiquities Scheme
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Unique ID: HESH-E37CF1
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published
Treasure Case 2016-T808 Specialist Report
Gold annular brooch from the Cleobury Mortimer Area- Shropshire
Date: Medieval
Date of discovery: 2016
Circumstances of discovery: Whilst searching with a metal detector
PAS Reference: HESH-0A4AF6 https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/590606
Description:
A gold annular (ring) brooch, circular in plan, terminating in two clasped ascending hands. In cross section the frame is sub-triangular with a flat reverse face. The frame is divided in half horizontally by a tapering gold pin. The pin fits within a constriction on the frame and its tip resents on a square shaped boss (positioned at 3 o'clock. A similar boss is present positioned at 6 o'clock on the frame and the broad part of the folded pin forms a similar boss at 9 o'clock. The clasped hands are positioned at 12 o'clock and emanate from a similar square shaped boss. The hands are shown clasped with the heel of the palms pressed together and the fingers pointing upwards. The individual fingers are depicted with vertical incised lines - the fingers are somewhat open and originally they may have held a pearl or gem, which is now lost. They are currently filled with soil as the artefact has not been cleaned by the finder. The upper outer and inner surfaces of the brooch are inscribed. The inscription is applied in a lower case cursive script and very difficult to read (and illustrate). It is spaced between four panels decorated with a zig zag pattern of interlinked Ws with incised pellets within the angles. The inscription probably reads Je Svi Ye Se or similar probably suggesting that this is a loyal gift or I am loyal. Both Dr John Cherry and Dr Malcolm Jones have viewed images of the brooch and this is their best approximation. The pin is decorated with a raised transverse bar positioned at the broadest end with a series of diagonal marks forming a rope like pattern. The reverse face of the brooch is plain and undecorated.
Dimensions:
The ring brooch measures 12.7mm in diameter and the hands project 6.6mm from the lower external edge; the hands are 3.2mm wide and 3.2mm thick. The internal diameter of the brooch is 8.9mm. The brooch weighs 1.14 grams.
Discussion and Dating:
This form of decorative annular ring brooch with clasped hands is relatively common and dates to the early - middle (High) medieval period (AD 1250-1400). A number of similar gold brooches have been reported as potential treasure in the past 20 years and share the common attributes described above (after Atherton & Jones, 2006; Oakden, 2012; Daubney 2013, Sumnall & Jones 2014). Similar pieces in public collections are held at the British Museum (P&E 1849,0301.33) dated to late 13th or 14th century, and two further examples in the Victoria and Albert Museum (Lightbown 1992; catalogue numbers 13-14) dated to the mid-14th century in England and the 14th century in France.
Metal Content:
I believe that the precious metal content (gold) of the annular brooch fulfils the requirements of the Treasure Act (1996) in that it is greater than 10%.
Statement:
In terms of age and as the object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.
References:
Atherton, R and Jones, M. (2006) DENO-1AF752: Medieval Annular Brooch from Breadsall, Derbyshire
Web page available at: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/125778
Daubney, A (2013) LIN-9A4B26: Medieval Annular Brooch from Kirton, Lincolnshire
Web page available at: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/551024
Lightbrown, R.W 1992: Medieval European Jewellery London: Victoria & Albert Museum
Oakden, V (2012) LVPL-83D8B4: A Medieval Annular Brooch from South Cave, East Yorkshire
Web page available at: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/520983
Sumnall, K. and Jones, M. (2014) LON-8B523A: A Medieval Annular Brooch from Berden, Essex
Web page available at: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/646688
Author:
Peter Reavill: Finds Liaison Officer, Portable Antiquities Scheme
This is a find of note and has been designated: County / local importance
Class:
annular
Inscription:
Je Svi Ye Se
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1100
Date to: Circa AD 1400
Quantity: 1
Weight: 1 g
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Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
No references cited so far.