328 - 'The Loders' Medieval Silver-Gilt Iconographic Ring with Saint Christopher and Christ. A Disclaimed Treasure Find

'The Loders' Medieval Silver-Gilt Iconographic Ring with Saint Christopher and Christ. A Disclaimed Treasure Find Western England, circa 1400-1550 A.D. The bezel divided longitudinally into two sub-rectangular facets, each transversely concave, meeting in a pointed ridge at the middle; both facets engraved: the figure on the right a draped, mature and bearded male with an object on his left shoulder and raised hem to his robe, likely St. Christopher bearing the Christ child; the left-hand side with unidentified figure facing left; shoulders and hoop decorated with a continuation of the central rib develping to a row of beaded pellets; shoulders double faceted, each decorated with an incised branch of four flanking leaves and a pointed flower bud; hoop separated from the shoulders by notches flanking the beaded rib. 4.72 grams, 23.28 mm overall, 18.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17) (1 in.). Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Loders, Dorset, UK, on 1st November 2025, declared as Treasure under the Treasure Act with reference number 2025 T1471, subsequently disclaimed by the Crown and returned to the finder. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.DOR-B066F7. Accompanied by a copy of the report on the find of potential Treasure for H M Coroner with reference no.2025 T1471. Similarly decorated examples can be found in the PAS database, including GLO-A3DF57 (2013 T653), SUSS-72DoD5 (2003 T318) and BM-D83D1C (2003 T84). These examples are dated to c. 1400 to 1550. Similar iconographic rings with dual- or triple-celled bezels are found in the British Museum s collection (1891,1124.1 and 1871,0303.2), both dated to the 15th century. The latter features a recognisably similar depiction of St Christopher, albeit clearer and more detailed. The second figure on the ring is another saint, possibly Saint Barbara or St Margaret, although more defining details are obscured. TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists. See our website for more information.