Medieval Bronze Inscribed Seal Matrix

Including: appliqué of a bird, advancing unicorn pendant and other items. 23.2 grams total, 25-41 mm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an East Anglia private collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Each a two-part swivel with central barrel and dog-headed loop to each end; two still in working order. 69.5 grams total, 40-47 mm



Found East Anglia, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The obverse depicting the busts of St Peter and St Paul each within an inverted pear-shaped compartment defined by pellets; cross pattee supported on a staff between the busts and at the top of the bulla in the centre remains of the letters 'SPASPE', abbreviations for St Paul and St Peter; reverse inscribed over three lines 'NICO/LAVS:/PP:III', with an omega above the letters 'PP'; both obverse and reverse faces with a pelletted perimeter. 23.6 grams, 32 mm



Found on a Yorkshire rally at Minskip, UK, 2007. Property of a UK private collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Pope Nicholas III (reigned 1277-1280) issued several papal bulls during his pontificate, most notably the bull In Nomine Domini, which addressed papal elections and church reform. This bull is significant because it established the rules for papal elections and reduced the influence of secular powers in the process. Another important bull issued by Nicholas III was Exiit Qui Seminat, which aimed to resolve disputes within the Franciscan order between strict and relaxed observance groups.