Zoomorphic Ring Brooch With Beast Heads. French Or English, 13th Century.

A zoomorphic ring brooch with beast heads.

French or English, 13th century.

Measures 1.4cm in diameter.

Weighs 1.2 grams.

Provenance: 
From the collection of Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

Published:
Bailey, G., Buttons & Fasteners 500 BC-AD 1840, Witham, 2004, p.107, fig.(1)3.25.

The annular brooch is decorated with leopard heads, each originally would have had gem set eyes and two blue glass cabochons, the reverse of the brooch is plain.

Comparisons can be made with a silver gilt example in the British Museum, Registration number: 2003,0703.1.

https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_2003-0703-1

An annular brooch is a type of brooch that is circular in shape, forming a complete ring, they were worn by both men and women of all social classes. The word « annular » comes from the Latin word « annulus, » meaning ring. These brooches were popular in medieval Europe, particularly from the 13th to 15th centuries, and were used to fasten clothing such as tunics and cloaks.