¹ In tracing the vicissitudes which have beset the collections I have drawn heavily on A History of the Society of Antiquaries by Dame Joan Evans (London, 1956). The identification of many items has been a problem only overcome with help from many Fellows and I am greatly indebted to others who have kindly given assistance or provided appropriate catalogue entries. They include Mr G. C. Baugh, Dr G. C. Boon, Dr W. Bray, Mr B. F. Cook, Mr W. V. Davies, Mr J. Goodall, Mr A. Grimwade, Dr T. V. Harris, Mr T. G. H. James, Mrs D. W. Jones-Baker, Dr M. E. Henig, Mr R. Knox, Miss C. Lavell, Dr R. Marks, Dr N. Reeves, Miss N. K. Sandars, Mr B. W. Spencer and Mr C. B. F. Walker. On the practical side Mr D. F. Snelgrove helped with photography in the initial stages and Mr D. Smith kindly processed many of the prints. The Society's Officers and staff have given much assistance: I am particularly indebted to Mr John Cherry and Mr F. H. Thompson who have patiently pondered over a succession of puzzling objects, and to Mr John Hopkins whose recollection of material in the Society's possession has proved invaluable.