Northwestern Europe, England, late Medieval Period, ca. mid 13th to early 14th century CE. This is a lovely 95% sterling silver pendant seal deeply engraved with a standing figure of an Abbot, holding a book and a crozier. The pointed oval shape known as a vesica was ideal for depicting figures in full length, as seen here. The wonderfully detailed iconography is surrounded by a legend in Lombardic script: "SIGILL' ABBATIS DE BINNEDONA” (the seal of the Abbot of Bindon Abbey). On the verso is an integral suspension loop that makes this piece wearable as a pendant when not in use. Bindon Abbey was a Cistercian Abbey in Dorset, England and it had the full support of the Plantagenet Kings, starting with Henry II in 1154 AD, until 1485 AD. Such seals were important for wax impressions to seal important documents and are rare to find outside of museums! This pendant has been strung on a modern suspension cord with a lobster clasp as a wearable necklace. Size (pendant): 1.5" L x 1" W (3.8 cm x 2.5 cm); (cord): 21" L (53.3 cm); silver quality: 95%; weight: 14.1 grams.

For a similar type please see the British Museum's website, museum number 1862,0517.1.

Provenance: private Boynton Beach, Florida, USA collection; ex-private Murray collection, Bristol, 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.

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.

#170767

Intact and excellent. Some softening to seal face, but motif and script are still clear and discernable. Toning and dark patina in recessed areas. Strung in modern times on a modern cord as a wearable necklace.