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Click here to subscribeIslamic Bronze Panther-Head Staff Finial1st-2nd century AD. A cast head with gaping mouth, collar to the neck; socket to the underside; mounted on a custom-made stand. 187 grams, 79mm including stand (3 1/4"). Property of a West London gentleman; acquired between 1980-2010. [No Reserve]Fine condition.
Iron Age Celtic Gold Bracelet250 BC-50 AD. A round-section penannular bracelet with square-cut ends. Cf. Taylor, J.T. Bronze Age Goldwork of the British Isles, Cambridge, 1980, plate 34 (f). 52 grams, 66mm (2 3/4"). From the jewellery collection of a medical professional; acquired 1970s. Very fine condition.
Medieval Bronze `Alexander of Thorpe` Vesica Seal Matrix14th century AD. A seal with strap and loop to the reverse; intaglio design of a robed figure standing beneath a tracery arch with raised hand, a chalice on altar before; to the border the Lombardic script legend `S` ALEXSANDRI DE TORPI` (seal of Alexander of Thorpe [-in-Balne]); accompanied by an impression and collector`s relevant data cards. 7.08 grams, 33mm (1 1/2"). An important London collection of ecclesiastical seals, acquired since the 1970s; found Thorpe-in-Balne, near Doncaster, Yorkshire, UK. Thorpe-in-Balne (sometimes Thorpe-by-Balne) is situated within the West Riding of Yorkshire and is cited in Farrer (editor), Early Yorkshire Charters, Edinburgh, 1914, for 12th century AD references (Buscus de Balna/e); the location is now a village (population 176, from 2001 national census) within the Metropolitan Borough of Doncaster, in the county of South Yorkshire; the ruins of a 12th century AD chapel remain extant at the moated Manor House Farm, with three fishponds; it is now a Grade II Listed Building, within the Scheduled Ancient Monument site. This seal matrix was almost certainly the property of a cleric associated with this chapel. Very fine condition.
Medieval Bronze Madonna and Child Vesica Seal Matrix14th century AD. A large seal with strap and loop to the reverse; intaglio design of Madonna and Child (Mary and Jesus) within a trefoil arch with cross above, a smaller arch below between towers with supplicant figure of a praying tonsured monk; to the border the Lombardic script legend `S` CONVENTVS F R M PREDICATORUM VRG` M` (seal of the convention ... of the preachers of the Virgin Mary?); accompanied by an impression and collector`s relevant data cards. 18 grams, 46mm (1 3/4"). An important London collection of ecclesiastical seals, acquired since the 1970s; found near Rochester, Kent, UK. The latin word `conventus` translates for `meeting` or `convention` and is the root for the religious community of a `convent`; usually today associated with a female community (nunnery); in Medieval times this term was not so restricted. Very fine condition.
Medieval Bronze `King of the English Nation` Oval Seal Matrix14th century AD. A `chess piece` type stamp seal with hexagonal-section shank and loop above; intaglio design of a standing crowned figure of the king holding a sceptre and with an eagle to his side, above a robed supplicant figure praying; to the border the Lombardic script legend `A[V?E?] REX GENTIS ANGLORV` ([hail?] king of the English nation); accompanied by an impression and collector`s relevant data cards. 3.71 grams, 20mm (3/4"). An important London collection of ecclesiastical seals, acquired since the 1970s; found near Blyth, Northumberland, UK. The depiction of the head and crown of the king on this seal is as seen on the English silver coinage issued from 1279 AD; the king depicted here is likely to be of the period Edward I to Edward III. Very fine condition.
Medieval Bronze `St Helena` Oval Seal Matrix14th century AD. A `chess piece` type stamp seal with hexagonal-section shank and trefoil loop above; intaglio design of a robed standing female figure holding a cross with head inclined towards a robed kneeling figure praying in a field of trefoils; to the border the Lombardic script legend `*SC HELENA.PRO.ME.ORA` (Saint Helena pray for me); accompanied by an impression and collector`s relevant data cards. 11 grams, 26mm (1"). An important London collection of ecclesiastical seals, acquired since the 1970s; found Firle, East Sussex, UK. Saint Helena (circa 250-330 AD) was first wife to Constantius Chlorus (Constantius I, emperor 305-306 AD) and mother of Constantine the Great (Constantine I, the first Christian emperor, 307-337 AD); she was a native of Bithynia. She became a Christian after the Edict of Milan in 313 AD and was prominent in the building of several basilicas and many churches in the Holy Land; she is chiefly associated with the `discovery` of the True Cross near Mount Calvary and is usually depicted in imperial garb, holding a cross to commemorate this; her sarcophagus remains to this day in the Vatican Museum; her day of commemoration is 18th August. Very fine condition.
Medieval Bronze `John of Messingham` Oval Seal Matrix14th century AD. A `chess piece` type stamp seal with hexagonal-section shank and quatrefoil loop above; intaglio design of Madonna and Child (Mary and Jesus) with tree within an arch, lateral towers and stars above, kneeling supplicant in panel beneath; to the border the Lombardic script legend `S`IOH`ISDEMESSINGHAM` (seal of John of Messingham); accompanied by an impression and collector`s relevant data cards. 8.71 grams, 23mm (1"). An important London collection of ecclesiastical seals, acquired since the 1970s; found near Louth, Lincolnshire, UK. Very fine condition.
Medieval Bronze `Haldard` Corpus Christi Oval Seal Matrix14th century AD. A `chess piece` type stamp seal with hexagonal-section shank, collar and trefoil loop above; intaglio design of the crucifixion in one arch and Madonna and Child (Mary and Jesus) in the other, a robed supplicant beneath with chalice; to the border the Lombardic script legend `MATER QV[...] HALDARD` (mother [of God?] ...Haldard); accompanied by an impression and collector`s relevant data cards. 20 grams, 33mm (1 1/4"). An important London collection of ecclesiastical seals, acquired since the 1970s; found Gringley-on-the-Hill, Nottinghamshire, UK. Very fine condition.
Medieval Bronze `St Catherine` Oval Seal Matrix14th century AD. A `chess piece` type stamp seal with hexagonal-section shank and trefoil loop above; the intaglio design of a facing female figure holding a spoked and spiked wheel, a frond to each side; to the border the Lombardic script legend `*SAVNCACATERINA` (Saint Catherine); accompanied by an impression and collector`s relevant data cards. 13 grams, 27mm (1"). An important London collection of ecclesiastical seals, acquired since the 1970s; found Norfolk, UK. Saint Catherine of Alexandria was said to have been martyred under the Roman emperor Maxentius at Alexandria in the early 4th century AD; her assumed relics have been kept at the Monastery of Mount Sinai since at least the 10th century AD and she is traditionally depicted with the spiked wheel of her martyrdom; she was venerated and popular in the Medieval period with her commemoration formerly being held on 25th November. Extremely fine condition.
Medieval Bronze `St Catherine` Circular Seal Matrix14th century AD. A `chess piece` type stamp seal with hexagonal-section shank and quatrefoil loop above; intaglio design of a quatrefoil with a tressure of arches, within which a facing female figure with a spiked wheel in her left hand and robed kneeling figure praying at her side; to the border the Lombardic script legend `CATINA:VIRGO:DIVINA:CLEMENT[IS]S[I]MA` (Catherine the most merciful divine virgin); accompanied by an impression and collector`s relevant data cards. 16 grams, 29mm (1 1/4"). An important London collection of ecclesiastical seals, acquired since the 1970s; found Thaxted, Essex, UK. Saint Catherine of Alexandria was said to have been martyred under the Roman emperor Maxentius at Alexandria in the early 4th century AD; her assumed relics have been kept at the Monastery of Mount Sinai since at least the 10th century AD and she is traditionally depicted with the spiked wheel of her martyrdom; she was venerated and popular in the Medieval period with her commemoration formerly being held on 25th November. Extremely fine condition.
Medieval Bronze `Queen of Mercy` Vesica Seal Matrix14th century AD. A seal matrix with strap and loop to the reverse; intaglio design of a haloed facing Madonna and Child (Mary and Jesus) and robed supplicant figure praying below, beneath an arch; to the border the Lombardic script legend `+SALVE REGINA MISERICORDE` (Save [me] O Queen of Mercy); accompanied by an impression and collector`s relevant data cards. The same inscription and design are recorded for a number of seals of the Medieval period, cf. Birch, W. de Gray, Catalogue of Seals in the Department of Manuscripts in the British Museum, London, 1887, volume 1, number 1716 (counterseal) and Ellis, Roger H., Catalogue of Seals in the Public Record Office, London, 1978, Personal Seals, volume I, numbers P545 and P693 (of very similar form). 11 grams, 35mm (1 1/2"). An important London collection of ecclesiastical seals, acquired since the 1970s; found near Canterbury, Kent, UK. Very fine condition.
Medieval Bronze `St John the Baptist` Oval Seal Matrix14th century AD. A `chess piece` type stamp seal with hexagonal-section shank, collar and trefoil loop above; intaglio design of a standing figure of St John within an arcade with trefoils and tracery holding a circular object; a kneeling supplicant figure before, to the border the Lombardic script legend `ECCExAGNVSxDEI` (Behold, the Lamb of God`); accompanied by an impression and collector`s relevant data cards. 15 grams, 29mm (1 1/4"). An important London collection of ecclesiastical seals, acquired since the 1970s; found Worcester, Worcestershire, UK. The inscription on the seal is taken from John the Baptist`s reference to Jesus in John 1:29 Ecce Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi (Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world). Fine condition, small chip to edge.
Medieval Bronze `Gabriel and Mary Annunciation` Vesica Seal Matrix14th century AD. A seal matrix with strap and loop to the reverse; intaglio design of a double arch with central balustered column and abbey buildings above, a winged male figure (Gabriel) in one arch addressing a facing robed female (Mary) in the other, a tonsured supplicant below with hands raised; to the border the Lombardic script legend `MISS:EST GABRIEL AD MARI` (Gabriel is sent to Mary); accompanied by an impression and collector`s relevant data cards. 6.73 grams, 31mm (1 1/4"). An important London collection of ecclesiastical seals, acquired since the 1970s; found near Jervaulx Abbey, Yorkshire, UK. The seal matrix was found close to Jervaulx Abbey, Yorkshire, one of the most important Cistercian abbeys of northern England (founded in 1156); it was dissolved in 1537 under Henry VIII, and its last abbot, Adam Sedbar, was hanged for his part in the `Pilgrimage of Grace`, a local revolt in 1536 protesting against Henry`s break with the Roman Catholic Church. The seal depicts the Annunciation, whereby the archangel Gabriel was sent to Mary to inform her that she was to become the mother of the Son of God; the Annunciation is the subject of a religious motet called `Missus est Gabriel` dating from 1542 and was a key theme in many examples of medieval Christian art. Very fine condition.
Medieval Bronze `St. Stephen` Circular Seal Matrix14th century AD. A `chess piece` stamp seal with hexagonal-section shank, collar and trefoil loop above; intaglio design of a standing robed figure holding stones with fronds in the field; to the border the Lombardic script legend `*SANCTVS-STEFANVS` (Saint Stephen); accompanied by an impression and collector`s relevant data cards. 22 grams, 34mm (1 1/2"). An important London collection of ecclesiastical seals, acquired since the 1970s; found near Boston, Lincolnshire, UK. Saint Stephen The Deacon (died circa 35 AD), the disciple chosen by the apostles as the first of the seven deacons, is often depicted holding or with a group of stones which were the cause of his death and martyrdom by stoning at the instigation of the Sanhedrin, as witnessed by St Paul; his celebration day is 26th December. Extremely fine condition.
Medieval Bronze `St Peter` Vesica Seal Matrix14th century AD. A stamp seal with strap and loop to the reverse; intaglio design of a standing St. Peter, facing, holding a book and a key, stars and crescents in the field; to the border the Lombardic script legend `TV ES PETRVS ET SVP HAC PETRA` (you are the rock and on this rock); accompanied by an impression and collector`s relevant data cards. 11 grams, 31mm (1 1/4"). An important London collection of ecclesiastical seals, acquired since the 1970s; found Blyth, Northumberland, UK. Saint Peter the Apostle (died circa 64 AD) was born Simon, son of John and, with his brother Andrew, became a disciple; the seal inscription refers to Matthew 16:18-19 Tu es Petrus, et super hanc petram aedificabo ecclesiam meam, `You are Peter (the rock) and on this rock I shall build my church`; his commemoration day is 29th June. Extremely fine condition.
Medieval Bronze `St Andrew` Oval Seal Matrix14th century AD. A stamp seal with strap and loop to the reverse; intaglio design of St. Andrew facing, tied to a saltire cross; to the border the Lombardic script legend `S` WILI`.CADELLANI+ANDREA:PIE` (seal of William Cadellan, Andrew [the pious?]); accompanied by an impression and collector`s relevant data cards. 11 grams, 26mm (1"). An important London collection of ecclesiastical seals, acquired since the 1970s; found Dalton-le-Dale, County Durham, UK. Saint Andrew (died 1st century AD), brother of St Peter, was a disciple of St John the Baptist before folowing Christ; his relics were stolen from Constantinople in 1210 and now rest at Amalfi; he is the patron saint of Scotland, Russia and Greece and he is usually depicted on or with the saltire cross of his martyrdom (sometimes holding a fish), said to have been at Patras in Achaia; his commemoration day is 30th November. Extremely fine condition.
Medieval Bronze `St John the Baptist` Oval Seal Matrix14th century AD. A `chess piece` type stamp seal with hexagonal-section shank, collar and loop above; intaglio design of a facing nimbate figure of St John standing with frond and holding a miniature lamb-and-flag icon; to the border the Lombardic script legend `ECCE AGNVS D[?]EI` (Behold, the lamb of God); accompanied by an impression and collector`s relevant data cards. 11 grams, 28mm (1"). An important London collection of ecclesiastical seals, acquired since the 1970`s; found Knapton, Yorkshire, UK. The inscription on the seal is taken from John the Baptist`s reference to Jesus in John 1:29 Ecce Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi (Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world). Very fine condition.
Medieval Bronze Heraldic Seal Matrix12th-14th century AD. A flat-section discoid seal matrix with strap and loop to the reverse; central motif a heater shield with eagle, lion rampant supporters; to the border the legend in Lombardic script `S+ SUM DO[...]ILI : M[.]N[.]NN[..]` (I am the seal of D...); Western European workmanship. 14 grams, 31mm (1 1/4"). Property of a Middlesex gentleman; acquired in the 1980s. [No Reserve]Fine condition.
Medieval Bronze Niello-Inlaid Sword Pommel12th century AD. A hollow-cast pommel, rectangular in plan and D-shaped in section with hole to the upper face to accept the tang; both broad faces with a median rectangular panel; to one face a band of vertical incisions above, inlaid niello U-shapes and vertical lines with pellet finials. Cf. Ellis Davidson, H.R. The Sword in Anglo-Saxon England, Woodbridge, reprinted 1992, plate XIII, item 87. 36 grams, 31mm (1 1/4"). From an old Hampshire collection; found near Upway, Dorset, England, 1989. [No Reserve]Fine condition.
Medieval Bronze Zoomorphic Bridle Ring11th-12th century AD. A cast Romanesque style bridle ring comprising a lozenge-section ring with beast-head and fish-tail, detail to one face, balustered median plaque; the head and arched neck with punched-point texture to the brow, neck and throat, incised and punched detail for the mane; the fish with flared and forked tail, triangular dorsal fin and shield-shaped pectoral fin, lines of punched-point detailing to the edges, median band of punched rosettes. Cf. fish-tailed fabulous animals in Zarnecki, G., Holt, J. & Holland, T. English Romanesque Art 1066-1200, London, 1984, items 160, 325; sea monster representing the constellation Cetus in the Phaenomena of Aratus of Soli in Backhouse, J., Turner, D.H. & Webster, L. The Golden Age of Anglo-Saxon Art: 966-1066, London, 1984, plate 43. 92 grams, 12cm (4 3/4"). Ex English collection; acquired London art market, 2012. Very fine condition.
Norman Bronze Spur Buckle with Wolf`s Head11th-12th century AD. A cast loop with vertical ribs to the outer face, median bar and hound`s or wolf`s head modelled in the round to one end. Cf. buckles with bird- and beast-head motifs in Hammond, B. British Artefacts vol.3 - Late Saxon, Late Viking & Norman, Witham, 2013, items 1.2-h, 1.2-i, 1.2-j. 4.82 grams, 33mm (1 1/4"). Found Saxby, Lincolnshire, UK. [No Reserve]Fine condition.
Medieval Bronze Brooch Pair and Pin Group12th-14th century AD. A mixed group comprising: a short dress pin with flared finial, waisted shank; two annular brooches, each with ribbed hoop and opposed beast-head finials. Cf. Egan, G. & Pritchard, F. Dress Accessories 1150-1450, London, 2002, p.249. 13 grams, 34-50mm (1 1/2 - 2"). Ex Northern English collection; found Northumberland, UK, 1990s. [3, No Reserve]Fine condition.
Medieval Bronze Barrel Lock Group12th-15th century AD. A mixed group of locks and lock-cases comprising: rectangular case with lateral bar, punched running tendril motifs; barrel lock-case with pierced lateral lug; lozengiform lock-case with pierced ends, pierced lug; similar with bar and concentric lines design. 42 grams, 28-38mm (1 - 1 1/2"). From an old Hampshire collection. [4, No Reserve]Fine condition.
Medieval Bronze Ring with Dove12th-14th century AD. A broad flat-section hoop with bird motifs to the shoulders, discoid plaque with intaglio dove with olive branch in its beak, 6.29 grams, 20mm overall, 17.71mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15) (3/4"). UK art market, acquired prior to 1980. The motif of the dove with an olive branch in its beak is a reference to the biblical story of the Ark, in which after the flood Noah sends out a dove to see if the waters have subsided. The dove returns with a fresh olive leaf in her beak. Very fine condition.
Medieval Silvered Bronze Floral Horse Harness Mount14th-15th century AD. A flat-section disc with central void, twelve radiating petals within a pelletted border; two attachment pegs to the reverse. 7.51 grams, 33mm (1 1/4"). Property of a German collector; acquired in the 1990s. [No Reserve]Fine condition.
Medieval Enamelled Bronze `Sir Robert Fitzwalter` Heraldic Horse Harness Pendant13th century AD. A cast heater-shaped pendant with pierced lug above, champ levé enamelled heraldic design blazoned `or, a fess gules between two chevrons of the last`, arms of Robert Fitzwalter (died 1235). 10 grams, 43mm (1 3/4"). Property of a gentleman. Robert Fitzwalter was the prime mover in the conspiracy with Eustace de Vesci and the Welsh prince Llewelyn ab Iorwerth against King John, in 1212 AD. John had fallen from favour with the pope, Innocent II, who absolved the English barons of their oaths of allegiance to the monarch. The king`s mismanagement of the realm provoked rebellion among the leading families. Despite a temporary reconciliation in 1213, whereby Fitzwilliam`s confiscated estates were restored to him, resentment continued which culminated in the barons forcing King John to accede to their demands, set out in the Magna Carta. Fitzwalter later took part in the Fifth Crusade, returned to England in 1221 and died at his estate at Dunmow, Essex, in 1235. Fine condition.
Medieval Enamelled Bronze `Duke of Normandy` Horse-Harness Pendant13th-14th century AD. A square flat-section harness pendant with pierced lug, enamelled red heater shield with two lions blazoned `gules two lions passant gardant or`, the arms attributed to the dukes of Normandy. Recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme as NMS-3D5ED3, with associated documentation. 20 grams, 42mm (1 3/4"). Found near Aylsham, Norwich, Norfolk, 1980s. Fine condition.
Medieval Enamelled Bronze `Warois de Valoynes` Heraldic Pendant13th century AD. A cast heater shield with pierced suspension lug above; the field with a silvered (?) trellis pattern and red enamelled lozenges, blazoned `gules fretty argent`, arms of Warois de Valoynes recorded in the Dering Roll of circa 1270 AD. 7.96 grams, 39mm (1 1/2"). Found Warwick, Warwickshire, UK. Fine condition.
Medieval Gilt-Bronze St Thomas Becket Horse Harness Pendant13th-14th century AD. A flat-section openwork discoid pendant with integral pierced lug; beaded frame encircling a stylised facing peacock, with feather detailing. Cf. peacock figures associated with Thomas Becket and the Canterbury pilgrim badge trade in Spencer, B. Pilgrim Souvenirs and Secular Badges, Woodbridge, 2010, p.75-6 and item 27. 6.58 grams, 39mm (1 1/2"). Property of a lady by descent; acquired by the vendor`s father in the 1960s. Fine condition.
Medieval Bronze Advancing Lion Heraldic Horse Harness Pendant12th century AD. A quatrefoil plaque with pierced loop, two lugs to the reverse; advancing lion motif with raised tail in high relief. 7.98 grams, 36mm (1 1/2"). Property of a lady by descent; acquired by the vendor`s father in the 1960s. Very fine condition.
Medieval Gilt-Bronze Horse Harness Pendant Pair14th-16th century AD. A pair of cast pendants comprising: one discoid with lateral lobes, central starburst, ribbed collar; one a bifacial rosette. 10 grams total, 23-29mm (1 - 1 1/4"). Private collection, UK; formed in the 1980s. [2, No Reserve]Very fine condition.
Medieval Enamelled Bronze De Cockfeld Family Heraldic Horse Harness Mount13th century AD. A flat-section plaque, discoid with four expanding arms in gilt-bronze with central heater shield and surrounding wreath, stub of attachment stud to the reverse; the shield red with silver fleurs de lis blazoned `Gules six fleurs de lis argent`, arms of the de Cockfeld family. 14 grams, 36mm (1 1/2"). Found Papworth, Cambridgeshire, UK. The Cockfield family were important landowners in East Anglia from the 12th century. [No Reserve]Fine condition, abraded.
Medieval Norman Bronze Openwork Horse Harness Mount12th century AD. An openwork annular plaque with four pierced lugs to the outer edge, advancing waterfowl among foliage with inlaid copper detailing to wings and breast. 28 grams, 59mm (2 1/2"). From an important English collection; acquired in the 1990s. Very fine condition.
Medieval Bronze Openwork Heraldic Belt Mount11th-12th century AD. A cast rectangular openwork plaque with reserved quadruped within the frame, standing with tail raised and mouth open. 4.71 grams, 24mm (1"). From an old Munich collection; acquired on the German art market before 2000. Fine condition.
Medieval Enamelled Bronze Limoges Casket Mount12th-13th century AD. A convex tongue-shaped casket mount with parcel-gilt male head modelled in the round; the plaque forming the body with panels of red and blue-black champ levé enamel detailing; pierced twice for attachment. Cf. Campbell, M. Medieval Enamels, London, 1983, item 23(d) reliquary with several mounts in place. Recorded with the PAS under reference WILT-637273. 17 grams, 56mm (2 1/4"). Found Wiltshire, UK. [No Reserve]Fair condition.
Medieval Bronze Pilgrim Badge12th-14th century AD. A large flat-section disc with four pierced attachment lugs, concentric bands of repoussé scrolled foliage and central scene of Calvary with Corpus Christi and two kneeling figures. 12 grams, 10cm (4"). Found on the River Thames foreshore at Butler`s Wharf in the early 1980s. Very fine condition.
Post Medieval French Silver Porringer with Birth of Duc de Berry Silver MedallionMedal dated 1754 AD. A silver shallow porringer with single pierced flat handle incorporating a fleur-de-lis, the basal foot marked `STERLING` and inset with a French silver medal by Marteau commemorating the birth of the Duc de Berry (1754-1793) who succeeded to the French throne as Louis XVI in 1774 and was later deposed and executed by guillotine during the French Revolution. Obv: profile bust with LUD XV REX CHRISTIANISS legend. Rev: female standing, resting against half-column on which lies a crown and holding infant with SECURITAS IMPERII legend and with NAT DUCIS BITURIC M DCC LIV in two lines to exergue. Medal: see Med. Fran. 244.131 (for the design, in bronze). 105 grams, 11cm diameter (4 1/4"). Ex Swiss collection; acquired London, 1980s. Louis XVI, Duc de Berry, became Dauphin following the death of his father in 1765 and succeeded his grandfather, Louis XV in 1774; he was executed on 21 January 1793, under the name Citizen Louis Capet. [No Reserve]Fine condition, medal very fine.
Post-Medieval Gilt-Bronze Casket Mount1550-1650 AD. A discoid mount with central boss, ropework border with ladder and scroll motifs, central dome with human mask surrounded by grapes and foliage; pierced in two places for attachment; north Italian workmanship. 38 grams, 56mm (2 1/2"). From an important English collection; acquired in the 1990s. Very fine condition.
Post Medieval Bronze Charles I Beheaded Commemorative PendantAfter 1649 AD. A cast bronze discoid pendant incised with a decapitation scene comprising a small figure to the left brandishing a large axe, the body of Charles I to the right with extended arm, the bearded head placed centrally with radiating lines representing gouts of blood; above the word REX in seriffed capitals and below the word MORT. 9.80 grams, 37mm (1 1/2"). Property of a Northumbrian professor; formerly in an important West Country collection. Fine condition. Rare.
Post Medieval Mixed Metal Items Group17th-19th century AD. A mixed group comprising: a discoid pendant with floral ornament; a gilt metal brooch with coloured glass inserts; a horse-head mount; a discoid mount with rosette design; a crotal bell; a chessman weight with `XX` notation to the underside; a pewter (?) whistle; a bronze (?) nail. 113 grams total, 19-45mm (3/4 - 1 3/4"). Property of a North London collector. [8, No Reserve]Fair condition.
Irish Early Christian Bronze Openwork AppliquéLater 8th-9th century AD. A hexagonal cast openwork fitting pierced at each angle and centrally; the border formed as slightly curved panels of regular mono-linear Insular Style interlace with a wave pattern to the inner edge; the central openwork panel formed as a central collet and four quadrupeds, each with a narrow muzzle and leaf-shaped ear, the legs terminating in loops passing over and under the body and limbs; six plain radiating bars across the border, each with a hole; the narrow front and rear sides each with an outward slightly chamfered edge, lateral lugs with evidence of piercing to form a hinge or closure. Cf. the regular interlace detail on the nasal of the Coppergate helmet in Webster, L. & Backhouse, J. The Making of England. Anglo-Saxon Art and Culture AD 600-900, London, 1991, item 47 and the hooked tag fragment from Scunthorpe (ibid., item 69(p)). Hammond, B. British Artefacts vol.2 - Middle Saxon & Viking, Witham, 2010, item 1.9-h, offers a close parallel with central panel of about half the size of the present piece, beast-head and raised border to the central square panel. The hexagonal form and rhythmic zoomorphic interlace design echo the corresponding features of the fitting, which is of probable Irish workmanship. 71 grams, 10.5cm (4"). Ex Northern English collection; found Northumberland, UK, 1990s. Very fine condition.
Anglo-Saxon Bronze Cruciform Casket Appliqué9th century AD. A flat-section cast plaque with pierced discoid lobe to each angle, pierced centre; the surface divided by radiating lines and concentric rings into ornamental panels, the central four with mono-linear interlace, the outer panel group with alternating Trewhiddle Style regardant beasts with hatched bodies and scrolled tendrils, two bilinear interlace panels above each pierced lobe; the outer border plain. Cf. Wilson, D.M. Catalogue of the Antiquities of the Later Saxon Period, vol. 1, Anglo-Saxon Ornamental Metalwork 700-1100 in the British Museum, London, 1964, item 107; Webster, L. & Backhouse, J. The Making of England. Anglo-Saxon Art and Culture AD 600-900, London, 1991, items 107(a), 184, 187. The appliqué is substantial and appears to be an ornamental mount from a high-status item, perhaps a casket, shrine or even a book (cf. the Whitby octofoil mounts, also likely to be from a shrine or book), held in place with broad (probably domed) rivets. There is no overtly Christian iconography in the ornament to suggest an ecclesiastical or liturgical context. The combination of dense, regular interlace and regardant animals is found on many pieces of 9th century Anglo-Saxon art; domed rivets also occur on brooches and other items at this time. 91 grams, 12.5cm (5"). Ex Northern English collection; found Northumberland, UK, 1990s. Very fine condition, cleaned and conserved, some distortion due to contemporary fire damage.
Anglo-Saxon Bronze Cruciform Casket Appliqué9th century AD. A flat-section cast plaque with pierced discoid lobe to each angle, pierced centre; the surface divided by radiating ropework lines and concentric rings into ornamental panels, the central four with mono-linear interlace, the outer group with alternating Trewhiddle Style regardant beasts and scrolled tendrils, interlace above each pierced lobe; the outer border with ropework and hatched ornament. Cf. Wilson, D.M. Catalogue of the Antiquities of the Later Saxon Period, vol. 1, Anglo-Saxon Ornamental Metalwork 700-1100 in the British Museum, London, 1964, item 107; Webster, L. & Backhouse, J. The Making of England. Anglo-Saxon Art and Culture AD 600-900, London, 1991, items 107(a), 184, 187. The appliqué is substantial and appears to be an ornamental mount from a high-status item, perhaps a casket, shrine or even a book (cf. the Whitby octofoil mounts, also likely to be from a shrine or book), held in place with broad (probably domed) rivets. There is no overtly Christian iconography in the ornament to suggest an ecclesiastical or liturgical context. The combination of dense, regular interlace and regardant animals is found on many pieces of 9th century Anglo-Saxon art; domed rivets also occur on brooches and other items at this time. 80 grams, 12.5cm (5"). Ex Northern English collection; found Northumberland, UK, 1990s. Very fine condition, cleaned and conserved, some distortion due to contemporary fire damage.
Anglo-Saxon Bronze Cruciform Casket Appliqué9th century AD. A flat-section cast plaque with pierced discoid lobe to the angle, pierced centre; the surface divided by radiating lines and a ring into ornamental panels, the central four with mono-linear interlace, the outer panel group with alternating Trewhiddle Style hatched regardant beasts and interlace panels, with interlace panels to the outer edges; the outer trilinear border plain. Cf. Wilson, D.M. Catalogue of the Antiquities of the Later Saxon Period, vol. 1, Anglo-Saxon Ornamental Metalwork 700-1100 in the British Museum, London, 1964, item 107; Webster, L. & Backhouse, J. The Making of England. Anglo-Saxon Art and Culture AD 600-900, London, 1991, items 107(a), 184, 187. The appliqué is substantial and appears to be an ornamental mount from a high-status item, perhaps a casket, shrine or even a book (cf. the Whitby octofoil mounts, also likely to be from a shrine or book), held in place with broad (probably domed) rivets. There is no overtly Christian iconography in the ornament to suggest an ecclesiastical or liturgical context. The combination of dense, regular interlace and regardant animals is found on many pieces of 9th century Anglo-Saxon art; domed rivets also occur on brooches and other items at this time. 50 grams, 11cm (4 1/4"). Ex Northern English collection; found Northumberland, UK, 1990s. Very fine condition, cleaned and conserved, some distortion due to contemporary fire damage; three lobes absent.
Anglo-Saxon Bronze Chip-Carved Disc Casket Appliqué8th century AD. A thin (0.7mm) slightly domed disc with chamfered lip to the outer edge, pierced at the centre and close to the periphery, decorated with dense ornament comprising a border, cross and quadrants; the border with running meander pattern extending onto the rim; the cross with two arms in loose bilinear interlace and two with dense, regular interlace, all within narrow borders; the centre with an incised D-shaped panel on each internal edge; two quadrants with a La Tène Style triskele of discs among scrolled tendrils, remaining two quadrants with opposed Insular Style animals with extended lappets forming a frame of interlace, ring-and-dot to the shoulder and hip. Cf. Youngs, S. (ed.) The Work of Angels. Masterpieces of Celtic Metalwork, 6th-9th Centuries AD, London, 1989; Webster, L. & Backhouse, J. The Making of England. Anglo-Saxon Art and Culture AD 600-900, London, 1991. The thin metal and shallow curvature suggest that the appliqué formed part of the decorative scheme of a substantial item, such as a casket, shrine or processional cross, to which it was attached by a central stud, possibly into a prepared collared socket. The surface behind must have been curved or some form of soft padding used to support the appliqué. The cross bears two contrasting styles of interlace - a dense mono-linear type seen on some cross-shafts in the English Midlands and known as the `Mercian Style`, and a bilinear variant familiar from sumptuous manuscript art such as the Lindisfarne Gospels. The outer meander is a geometric form found in some 5th-6th century Merovingian contexts and elsewhere. The opposed beasts within an interlace panel in a quadrant occurs on e.g. the linked three-pin set from the River Witham (Webster & Backhouse, item 184). Parallels to the combination of Mercian Style interlace and triskeles may be found on e.g. the decorative mounts from Perthshire (Youngs, item 117); the combination of opposed beasts and interlace appears on the disc from Bolnhurst (Webster & Backhouse, item 185). 20 grams, 82mm (3 1/4"). Ex Northern English collection; found Northumberland, UK, 1990s. Very fine condition; about one quarter absent.
Anglo-Saxon Gilt-Bronze Button Brooch6th century AD. A discoid plate brooch with flared rim, two concentric inner borders and central helmetted face motif; remains of catchplate and pin-lug to the reverse; Avent & Evison`s Class Ei. Cf. Avent, R. & Evison, V.I. Anglo-Saxon Button Brooches in Archaeologia, vol.CVII, 1982, item 22.6. Portable Antiquities Scheme reference: IOW-C2D00D, a copy of which is included in the sale. 2.68 grams, 16mm (3/4"). Found Isle of Wight, Hampshire, UK. Fine condition.
Anglo-Saxon Gilt-Bronze Helmetted Head Button Brooch6th-7th century AD. A gilt button brooch of Class Bi with heavy gilding to the upper face, male helmetted mask within a circular frame, band of pellets around the face and a second band to the outer border; flared rim, catchplate to the reverse. Cf. Avent, R. & Evison, V.I. Anglo-Saxon Button Brooches in Archaelogia, vol.CVII, 1982, item 2.3. 2.09 grams, 17mm. (3/4"). Found Bournemouth, Dorset, UK. Very fine condition. Rare with second pelletted band.
Anglo-Saxon Bronze Sub-Penannular Brooch5th-7th century AD. A cast D-section hoop with plate and V-shaped slot, flanking stop-knobs; the plate formed as a trefoil with scrolled corners, incised transverse line; the pin an iron tapering spike with coiled end. Cf. Hattatt, R. Ancient Brooches and Other Artefacts, Oxford, 1989, item 1688. 19 grams, 66mm (2 3/4"). Ex Cornwall, UK, collection. The brooch is a transitional type between the Roman period penannular types and the Saxon quoit brooch types. The hoop is developed from the penannular type, with the finials conjoined into a single plaque with a slot to accommodate the pin. In use, the two stop-knobs prevent the pin from sliding back through the slot. The use of an iron rather than bronze pin suggests a Saxon period (5th-7th century) date for the brooch. [No Reserve]Fine condition. Rare.
Anglo-Saxon Gilt-Bronze Sugar-Loaf Ecclesiastical Boss10th-11th century AD. A cast domed boss with three pierced lugs to the rim, the surface divided into four panels by inlaid silver wires, each panel with Winchester Style acanthus foliage ornament; hollow to the underside. With a letter from the British Museum Medieval and Later Antiquities Department identifying the find, dated 18th April 2000. 17 grams, 22mm (3/4"). Found Dorset, UK. Fine condition. Extremely rare.
Merovingian Frankish Bronze Buckle with Gemstone Settings5th-6th century AD. A buckle, plate and tongue of Merovingian Frankish style inset with two pairs of gemstones; the loop formed as an elliptical round-section bar narrowing on the rear edge to accommodate the tongue, a cast rod bent around the loop and formed over the leading edge; the plate rectangular with two strips on the leading edge retaining the loop and forming a triangular backplate clasped behind the belt with a fine rivet; the plate with two central rectangular panels of crystal between two elliptical panels of dark mineral; two additional securing rivets to the upper and lower edges. Cf. Menghin, W. The Merovingian Period: Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, item VII.40.8. 38 grams, 48mm (2"). From an old English collection. Extremely fine condition; one rivet absent.
Khazar Gilt-Bronze Belt Mount8th-10th century AD. A convex cast shield-shaped mount with scrolled foliage decoration; three attachment pins to the reverse. See Vachkova, V. Danube Bulgaria and Khazaria as Parts of the Byzantine Oikoumene in Curta, F. (ed.) The Other Europe in the Middle Ages: Avars, Bulgars, Khazars, and Cumans, Leiden, 2008. 9.85 grams, 28mm (1"). Property of an American collector; acquired 1980-2000. [No Reserve]Fine condition.
Frankish Gilt-Bronze Strap End6th century AD. A fabricated rectangular strap end with slot to the rear, disc and bulb finial, hatched meander pattern to the plaque within a billetted border; pierced at the rear edge. 9.29 grams, 48mm (2"). Property of a Middlesex gentleman; acquired in the 1980s. [No Reserve]Fine condition.
Anglo-Saxon Gilt-Bronze Shield Boss Mount6th-7th century AD. A flat-section mount with billetted border, band of Style II serpents, central bone insert with cross-hatched gold foil insert; three attachment lugs and ferrous accretion to the reverse. Cf. MacGregor, A. & Bolick, E. A Summary Catalogue of the Anglo-Saxon Collections (Non-Ferrous Metals), Oxford, 1993, item 47.2. 9.53 grams, 28mm (1"). Property of a London gentleman; acquired before 1980. Fine condition.
Anglo-Saxon Gilt-Bronze Harness Mount Fragment6th century AD. A flat-section plaque fragment with lozengiform centre; silver (?) strap attached with a rivet; two panels of parcel-gilt Style I decoration, each featuring a three-band Tiermensch motif. Cf. plaque from Ingham, Suffolk, in West, S. A Corpus of Anglo-Saxon Finds From Suffolk, East Anglian Archaeology 84, Ipswich, 1998, p.175, item 1. 8.50 grams, 43mm (1 3/4"). Found Ringstead, Norfolk, UK. [No Reserve]Fine condition.
Anglo-Saxon Gilt-Bronze Chip-Carved Mount6th century AD. A flat-section rectangular plaque fragment with rectangular recess, three-band Style I beast-man figure; portion of similar recess at the broken edge; attachment peg to the reverse. Cf. West, S. A Corpus of Anglo-Saxon Finds From Suffolk, East Anglian Archaeology 84, Ipswich, 1998, plate 7(75). 2.55 grams, 24mm (1"). Found Suffolk, UK. [No Reserve]Fine condition.
Early Christian Irish Gilt-Bronze Figural Bowl Mount8th century AD. A convex trapezoidal mount with integral suspension loop, triangular male face in high relief with textured panel below. Cf. Irish face-mount from Ixworth, Suffolk, in Youngs, S. (ed.) The Work of Angels. Masterpieces of Celtic Metalwork, 6th-9th centuries AD, London, 1989, item 136. 4.72 grams, 24mm (1"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the 1970s. Fine condition.
Anglo-Saxon Gilt-Bronze Figural Mount6th-8th century AD. A flat-section cast mount with plain border and pelletted band, stylised face with pellet eyes and omega-shaped panels; stud to the reverse. See MacGregor, A. & Bolick, E. A Summary Catalogue of the Anglo-Saxon Collections (Non-Ferrous Metals), Oxford, 1993, section 47. 5.68 grams, 19mm (3/4"). Found Saxmundham, Suffolk, UK. [No Reserve]Fine condition.
Anglo-Saxon Gilt-Bronze Bird and Beast MountEarly 10th century AD. A slightly convex mount depicting a bird of prey attacking a quadruped (dog?) in Winchester Style; the bird`s wing forming the main element with the head above biting the animal`s rump, head and forepaws emerging on the left; substantial fixing stud to the reverse. Cf. image of biting birds in in MS Bodleian Library Oxford, Tanner 10, fol. 43` published in Wilson, D.M. Anglo-Saxon Art: From the Seventh Century to the Norman Conquest, London, 1984. 16 grams, 41mm (1 1/2"). From an old Munich collection; acquired on the German art market before 2000. The Tanner manuscript contains the Old English version of Bede`s Historia ecclesiastica gentis anglorum, and dates from the early 10th century AD. Very fine condition. Very rare.
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