Medieval Bronze Dagger Chape with Openwork Lobed Cross

With scallop to reverse, heater shield to obverse with hatched saltire design; lateral suspension loops (one absent). 45.9 grams, 57 mm



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Yorkshire, UK.

Disc with beaded border, repoussé scene with lancet-arch arcade, nimbate Mary in bed with infant Jesus in a crib beside her; attachment holes to the rim. 3.28 grams, 37 mm



Ex Peter Szuhay, 2005. Ex private collection, Suffolk, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12054-217467.

These silver-gilt medallions with scenes of the Christ's life in repoussé, show Gothic architectural features characteristic of the 14th century A.D., which are often represented in artworks of the late Medieval period including manuscript illuminations and stained glass. Interestingly, Saint Joseph is represented with the typical cap worn in Medieval Germany by the Jews of the same period.

Comprising a tongue-shaped curved-section body pierced in two places for attachment and forked lower end, with rounded shoulders and bowed head with soft features and short hair. 20 grams, 86 mm



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

From the 12th to 14th century, there was a large industry producing metal objects decorated in enamel using the champlevé technique, of which most of the survivals and probably most of the original production, are religious objects such as reliquaries, crosses and statues of saints.