Rights Holder: Hampshire Cultural Trust
CC License:
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Unique ID: HAMP-D9F4BC
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
A medieval (c.1200-1400) copper-alloy gilt annular brooch, complete but with much of the original surface worn away. It carries an inscription on both faces. Gilding is retained in the grooved linear border which flanks both outer and inner edge of the frame on both faces, in the lettering and to the external edge of the frame which has a border of punched annulets. The frame is D-shaped in cross section, being flat to the underside and with a slight curve to the upper face.The inscription is mostly worn away on the upper face. It reads I [...] M // I + A + G + L + A
The frame has a constriction for the pin which is 25.5mm in length. The head of the pin encircles the constriction in a complete loop and the shank extends below a square-platform collar. The shank is circular in cross-section and narrows to the tip.
The brooch measures 26.9mm in diameter (internal 17.3mm) and the frame is 2.4mm thick. It weighs 5.75g. The metal has lost almost all of its original patina and is a purpley-brown/ dark grey in colour.
AGLA was a popular charm used in the Middle Ages used to fend off fevers and possibly also the Black Death. The letters are an abbreviation of a Hebrew saying; "Ata gibor le'olam Adonai" (You are mighty forever, O Lord) (J. P. Robinson, 2007 Treasure Annual Report, page 124, no.247). Dr Malcom Jones comments of the worn-away inscription on the upper face, 'we seem to be in a magical context... My only thought is an abbreviated version of the popular charm beginning "Iesus autem transiens per medium" (Luke 4.30) - see my remarks at NMS139 which also abbreviates the name to IES. Always allowing for the crosses as letter-dividers, could we have the first 2 words of the charm?' (pers. comm. February 2018).
Dr Jones' comment in record NMS139 is as follows: ' "Iesus autem transiens per medium illorum ibat" ["But he passing through the midst of them went his way" (Authorised Version)] - see Evan 1922, 128. The British Museum has five Italian rings bearing this legend, all but one of 14th-century date. Evans notes that several late medieval English coins also bore this legend which is why BM AF2772 -- a gold noble of Edward IV -- has been mounted to be worn as an amulet.'
Class:
Annular
Inscription:
I [...] M // I + A + G + L + A
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1200
Date to: Circa AD 1400
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 2.4 mm
Weight: 5.75 g
Diameter: 26.9 mm
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Other reference: Hampshire Cultural Trust Object Entry Form WINCM 614
Primary material: Copper alloy
Completeness: Complete
Surface Treatment: Gilded
Grid reference source: Generated from computer mapping software
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
No references cited so far.