Openwork fitting with central mask and scrolled loops, attachment hooks to the reverse. 7.8 grams, 32 mm

From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

Small D-section hoop with panel to the underside, discoid bezel with concentric rings and band of pellets. 4.28 grams, 17.65 mm.

Acquired on the UK art market.
Property of a Essex, UK, collector.

Accompanied by an old handwritten information card.

Elaborate swivel with large openwork bulbs and decorative motifs; many of these objects are published in the Detector Finds book series. 103 grams total, 32-47 mm

From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

Cf. Bailey, G., Detector Finds 5, Witham, 2002, p.70ff.

Square in section with slightly rounded outer face. 4.00 grams, 19.78 mm overall, 15.99 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)

From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

Bailey, G., Detector Finds 4, Witham, 2000, p.28. fig.13; cf. Bailey, G., Detector Finds 3, Witham, 1997, p.26.

Cramp-rings were donatives issued every year on Good Friday by the monarch to prevent sickness, especially epilepsy. The rings were blessed in a religious service and sprinkled with holy water. The custom was officially abolished at the Reformation.

Comprising examples of various types, including some retaining the rowel and fastening elements. 340 grams total, 11-19 cm

Acquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.

Cf. Read, B., Identifyng detector finds, A catalogue of Metal Detecting finds from the United Kingdom, Coggeshall, 2021, pp.54-55, fig.318, for a similar rowel spur.

These spurs belong to a type widespread in Western Europe with a six-pointed spur, often engraved, dating mostly between 1425 and 1450.

One with cross pommee and suspension loop above; one a quatrefoil cross pendant within suspended frame and fleur-de-lys inner with central knop, traces of gilding. 10.53 grams total, 25-54 mm

Found near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK.
Acquired on the UK art market in 2012.
Ex property of a Kent lady collector.

Comprising a single-edged scale-tang knife with two fixing rivets, and a substantial triangular-section whittle-tang blade with discoid bolster and securing plate at the end, hilt replaced. 278 grams total, 27.5- 33.5 cm

From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

With central fleur-de-lys and border with legend: '+ SIGILLVM IOHIS : FILII : IOH'IS' (seal of John, son of John). 28.3 grams, 41 mm

Found Southern England.
Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.
From an East Anglian private collection.

Comprising an annular ring-tie with fringed ends, and two belt-hooks with a ring and plate attached. 34.4 grams total, 45-72 mm

Found whilst searching in Somerset, UK.

Comprising thirteen caltrops, hand-forged with square-section spikes. 423 grams total, 82-90 mm

From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.

Cf. Trapp, Graf, O., & Scalini, M., L'Armeria Trapp di Castel Coira-The Armoury of the Castle of Chuburg-Die Churburger Rustkammer, Fagnana, 1995-1996, p. 297 (vol. 1), for similar medieval German caltrops; Žákovský, P., ‘Caltrop. Contribution to the knowledge of one neglected weapon’ in Studia Minora Facultatis Philosophicae Universitatis Brunensis, M 12-13, 2007-2008, pp.115-132, fig.9, no.1 (type IIIa of Žákovský classification).

P. Žákovský has been able to classify medieval caltrops, mainly from 13th to 15th century A.D., on the basis of their morphology, into four main typologies, each with different variants. Caltrops with single-pointed spikes, whose interpretation, however, is often ambiguous belong to type I. The other three types represent classic four-pointed caltrops, and individual types in this group differ from one another just in their cross-section.

A spoon with broad bowl and barley twist handle and face to the finial, mounted on a fabric-covered display board with titling panel. 228 grams total, spoon: 15.7 cm

From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

Comprising: a 6th century Dark Age round gilded brooch; a 15th century medieval bronze swivel hook with domed shaped gilded top; and a 11th-12th century copper-alloy chape with plain top half, the lower part ending in a wolf’s head covered with small indentations and raised ears, with a small suspension loop on the snout. 35 grams total, 27-65 mm

From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

Cf. Bailey, G., Detector finds 7, Witham, 2011, fig.3a&b, p.103, for similar medieval gilded studs.

Bailey, G., Detector finds 6, Witham, 2008, pp.3,5-6, fig.C1.12, for the gilded swivel hook or stud; Bailey, G., Detector finds 7, Witham, 2011, fig.28, p.102, for the medieval strap end.

Most of the strap ends recovered in Britain date from the 12th century onwards, this being the period when they were widely used by both men and women. The strap end was made from various metals including bronze, copper (normally gilded, silvered or tinned) pewter, tin, silver, gold and iron. Our specimen, probably dated to 11th-12th century A.D., continue the style of the Anglo-Viking beast mounts of the previous centuries.