Medieval and Later Bronze Buckle Collection

Rectangular in plan with suspension loop to top edge, raised central quatrefoil within a lozenge, single arm radiating into each corner, punched annulets to the field with remains of gilding; central piercing. 5.55 grams, 37 mm



Acquired UK market, 1990s. Property of a retired academic.

Being a heater-shield form with remains of integral suspension loop; the device an 'argent cross moline gules' showing cross moline (sometimes described as recercelee when the curled ends of the limbs are exaggerated) on a red enamelled field. 4.5 grams, 29 mm



From the Sullivan family collection, UK; acquired since 2003.

The device is associated with several English families but most prominently with members of the Dovedale family (with various spellings) which appears to have originated in Yorkshire or Cheshire from the 12th century AD.

Engraved with two crosses fourchée within a circular frame, flanking crescents. 2.36 grams, 22.74mm overall, 20.30mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



English collection, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market. Ex property of an Essex gentleman. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection.

The use of seals became more and more essential during the time when the majority of the population was illiterate; the use of signet rings continued until after the fall of Rome in the West. With the establishment of heraldry, the armorial signet was generally adopted by all those entitled to bear arms. A considerable proportion of medieval rings were signets, with portraits, names or monograms, and emblems such as the cross, most of these having the designs cut in a metal bezel.