According to the Cabinet of Curiosities inventory, this is a cunning assemblage framed behind glass, being a curious objet d’art containing what appears to be an ancient bone comb that could be Saxon or Norse, and a piece of manuscript written in old English.
The comb itself is in keeping with the style of such items that have been unearthed from Saxon and Norse graves and other archaeological sites. It is unusual in that it is remarkably intact. It also has inscribed upon it a curious Latin inscription which roughly translates to ‘Alfred had me made’.
Behind it is what appears to be a sheet of manuscript bearing an old English inscription. Translated, it could possibly be a segment from The Anglo Saxon Chronicle which is regarded as being one of the most important documents surviving from the Middle Ages. It was written by monks on the orders of King Alfred the Great, around about the year 890.
Back Of The Frame
Acquired from the collection of Mr Seeton of Langport June 1912.
Reputed to be a bone comb belonging to King Alfred. (849 – 899)
The description states it bears the inscription “AELFRED MEC HEHT GEWYRCAN
“. Uncannily like the one on the object known as “The Alfred Jewel”. Close examination reveals that, as the said inscription might well have been inscribed in Indian ink, it is obviously a subterfuge.
One must also point out that Wiltshire is somewhat colloquially spelt as “Wilshire”. How very droll…
The comb might well be ancient; stylistically it has much in common with a great number of similar items found throughout Europe. These can date from early Saxon, Viking, and Norman times. This one does look Saxon, and the condition and decoration is quite good, possibly too good, although chalky soil can preserve most wonderfully for some reason.
However, there is a gem. The parchment that accompanied the piece is clearly very old, and as far as one can judge, original. If this is the case then here is a page from the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, dealing with the last years of King Alfred’s life.
We are in contact with the Rev James Ingram, who is currently working on a translation for publication this very year. He was most excited, and seems to think that the style and penmanship is somewhat similar to The Parker Chronicle (Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, MS. 173). He has kindly sent us a rough draft of his interpretation, subject of course to the usual scholarly caveat: non semper ea sunt quae videntur.
The Comb is comprised of mixed media in a wooden frame measuring 430 x 325mm and has been designed by Bernard Pearson (formerly of Clarecraft).
