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

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#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.