Comprising six adult- and child-sized pattens, each a ring with extended tongue fitted with rivets to secure the ring to a wooden platform; some in a glazed wooden fabric-lined display case with labels and explanatory text, one with reproduction wooden sole and leather upper showing how the patent is attached. 6.05 kg total, 11.5-81 cm

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

Cf. Bailey, G., Detector finds 2, Witham, 1993, p.56.

Published in Bailey, G., Detector finds 2, Witham, 1993, pp.55-57.

Iron pattens first came into use probably in 17th century A.D., and gained popularity during the first half of that century. The original design of the patten was as one piece of shaped wood attached beneath the sole of the shoe; this evolved into to a wooden platform attached to the underside of an iron ring. The pattens were thus forerunners of the Wellington boot which came into use in the 19th century A.D.

Spherical crotal, rumbler or 'hame harness' bell with suspension loop and two tone holes to upper half with founder's initials 'Ro / W' for Robert Wells of Aldbourne Foundry, Wiltshire; with the original iron 'pea' inside. 203 grams, 71 mm

Acquired on the UK art market.
From the private collection of Mr G.B., Hampshire, UK.

Cf. Keegan, Hughes, Brock and Hawthorne, Horse Bells, NHBS, 1988, pp.8-11 and 15 for much information and images.

Robert Wells made bells in sizes 1 to 32 and this example is near the largest ever produced. These massive bells were usually fitted to a team bell frame, set across the harness collar; Robert Wells was active in the period 1760-1780.

Substantial hoop with discoid bezel, low-relief figure of a charging horseman; in 10th century A.D. Italian style. 12.2 grams, 25.06 mm overall, 18.10 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)

Acquired in France in the 1990s.
Property of a North American gallery.

Comprising forty matching spherical banded agate beads with single median stripe, with six further beads of slightly different pattern; all pierced for stringing. 175 grams total, 14 mm each

UK gallery, early 2000s.

By William Smith and Charles Eaton; obverse: head with radiate crown; reverse: crowned figure with dagger and chalice. 112 grams, 10.7 cm

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

See Mitchiner, M., Medieval Pilgrim & Secular Badges, London, 1986, p.278-9.

"Billy and Charlies", also known as the Shadwell forgeries, refer to a very extensive series of fake antiquities made in Victorian London by William Smith (Billy) and Charles Eaton (Charley). They were mudlarks who searched the Thames for items of value. William Edwards, a London antique dealer, made Billy's acquaintance around about 1845, and he met Charley some years later. He paid them for items of interest that they found. Billy and Charley earned money from this until 1857, when they decided to counterfeit antiquities. They cast objects from lead or pewter, cutting dies into plaster of Paris moulds with nails and knives, and bathing the finished items in acid to simulate aging. Their commonest products were medallions, but others included daggers, statuettes, ampullae and even small shrines; as they were both illiterate the inscriptions on many of the objects are nonsense. They sold their forgeries to very prominent collectors of the time who thought they were genuine. Eventually, due to the large volume of objects that were appearing on the market, they were arrested and tried at court though they could not be found guilty of any crime at the time. They were released and carried on producing fakes but their style of manufacture had become well known and they eventually disappeared from history.

A fang hu in Han style, of baluster form, cushion-shaped lid with four suspension loops, two lion-head appliqués, each with an articulate ring handle below. 4 kg, 33.5 cm

Ex London, UK, art market, 1990s.

Mainly comprising differently sized beads imitating traditional 'etched' agate Zi beads. 137 grams total, 34-41 mm

UK gallery, early 2000s.

Comprising blue and white glazed floral and vegetal designs together with geometric flourishes. 3.16 kg total, 12.5 x 13 - 13 x 13 cm

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

Including 'shallow' type with rings beneath, deep 'bucket' type and others. 641 grams total, 27-52 mm

Ex Simmons Gallery, 1990s.

Obverse with column of two-wheeled vehicles drawn by animals, reverse with four columns of text. 39 grams, 54 x 37 mm

Ex Paris gallery, 1980-1990.
From a Parisian collection.

Squat in profile with loop handle and leaf-shaped reflector, rolled rim to the discus, long scoop nozzle. 201 grams, 15.2 cm

From an old British collection formed 1970s-1980s.
From a Leicestershire, UK, collection.

Mainly discoid and ellipsoid plaques in carnelian and other materials, with incuse images including profile bust, perching bird and others; after the antique. 25.1 grams total, 11-25 mm

Acquired on the UK art market.
Property of a North London, UK, gentleman.