Medieval 'John the Baptist and Agnus Dei' Pilgrim's Mount
Silver, 7.36 grams, 34.02 mm. Circa 15th-16th century AD. An octofoil mount with slightly convex surface. The design includes a loosely-robed figure on a grassy plain within a ropework border. The figure i bearded, with a halo around his head pointing with his right hand to a lamb in his left hand, the lamb carrying a banner with a cross motif on a staff. The lamb is the 'agnus dei' (lamb of God), interpreted as Jesus, and the figure pointing to it is John the Baptist who foretold the arrival of Jesus. On the reverse, the attachment rivet is present. Reference: cf. belt mounts in Egan, G. and Pritchard, F. Dress Accessories, 1150-1450, London, 1991, item 1018. Very fine condition. Provenance: from an old English collection.