Medieval and Later Bronze Artefact Group

Comprising bits of various types and sizes, including articulate elements. 2.85 kg total, 21-32.5 cm



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

This kind of iron snaffle bits were commonly used in late Medieval or Renaissance period. The mouth piece was made in two linked sections, to which big rings were attached at the extremities. Reins and bridles were both fastened to the rings.

Featuring a large circular die face and hexagonal stem, with collars and pierced quatrefoil handle, incised orientation star to edge; the die bearing a knightly device of a helmet with chaplet on canted shield of arms bearing three bull's heads cabossed and chevron with surrounding ' LE * S * ROBERTI * LE CONTES' legend. 38.9 grams, 34 mm



Found near Stoke Ferry, Norfolk, circa 2008. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11901-204414.

'Sigillum Roberti le Contes ' is 'seal of Count Robert'. Three bulls' heads appear on the arms of the Beverley family. The chaplet or 'cap of maintenance' is a stylised fur-lined cap which appears in the heraldry of leading families; the helm of the Black Prince in Canterbury Cathedral is made with a chaplet and a lion standing on the rim.

Formed as two addorsed letter Cs with a dished ovoid plate between the arms, engraved with a diamond motif. 13 grams, 43 mm



Found St Osyth, Essex, UK. Accompanied by a cope of the PAS report number ESS-E930A8.