Northwestern Europe, England or France, late Medieval Period, ca. 13th century CE. This is a rare and exceptional vesica shaped ecclesiastic seal cast from 95% sterling silver. The ovoid shape with pointed tips known as the vesica was used by women and church officials since the face could contain full length figures and script. This example is deeply engraved with the image of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ child and positioned above a worshiping figure- her hands held up in prayer undoubtably the owner of this seal, demonstrating both her piousness, and reverence to the Virgin and Child. Surrounding the figures is a legend in Lombardic script: "+SIGILL'MARIE d'HVNTING EFE'D" (the Seal of Marie of Huntingdon Abbess). "Marie" probably refers to an ecclesiastical establishment venerating the Virgin Mary and "EFE'D" stands for Sister or Abbess. This pendant seal has been strung on a modern cord with lobster clasp as a wearable necklace! Size (pendant): 1.2" L x 0.85" W (3 cm x 2.2 cm); (cord): 21" L (53.3 cm); silver quality: 95%; weight: 13.7 grams.

For a similar example please see the British Museum's website, object number: 1865,0324.4.

Provenance: private Boynton Beach, Florida, USA collection; ex-Peter Szuhay collection, London, UK

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#170757

Excellent and choice. Chips to verso near suspension ring, else intact. Some dark patina and toning. Strung in modern times on a modern cord as a wearable necklace.