Limoges Mount
This item was unearthed by Brenda Orme up a few months back during an outing with her detecting club. It falls into the generic category of ‘Limoges mounts’.
By the end of the 12th century Limoges in west-central France had become the main centre for fine enamel work. The items made there were exported to several countries, including England. Products included altar and processional crosses, candlesticks and caskets, together with many smaller items.
The Limoges mount found by Brenda will be circa 1200-1250 in date. It measures roughly 55mm tall, 24mm wide and is 19 grams in weight. It has been cast in copper-alloy in the shape of a robed figure with a separately applied halo on the back of the head. It has been suggested that Limoges figures like this on are meant to represent St. John the Evangelist. It would originally have been gilded and enamelled in bright colours but only traces of this decoration have survived.
This find has been reported and recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database. Examples do not turn up very often as detecting finds but there are a few others on the database. Â
Valuation
The overall condition of this item leaves something to be desired but on the plus side it is rare. An example in good condition was sold at auction very recently and the hammer price was £95. As it isn’t as good, Brenda’s example might sell for £60-70.
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