Medieval Bronze Knight's Expanding Cross Mount

Heater-shaped with integral loop above; three diagonal stripes (bends cotised) on a fully enamelled blue field between lions rampant; blazoned 'azure a bend cotised between six lions rampant or', the arms of de Bohun, earls of Hereford and Essex. 13.1 grams, 40 mm



From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

The de Bohun family took its name from the region of Bohun in the Cotentin peninsula, Normandy, France. John de Bohun, 5th Earl of Hereford (died January 1336) was born the son of Humphrey de Bohun, 4th Earl of Hereford. After Humphrey's death at the Battle of Boroughbridge, the family lands were forfeited by John who was only later permitted to succeed to his positions as Earl of Hereford and Essex, Constable of England and Lord of Brecknock.

Flat hoop and discoid bezel with central cell and inset intaglio lion couchant; flange rim with impressed detailing and cross potent; hoop with enigmatic retrograde legend in serifed Greek and Latin capitals '+*Π*O*N*O*Y*O*I*E*N'. 4.04 grams, 19.36 mm overall, 16.48 x 15.80 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)



Private collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13452-259841.

These aristocratic rings were set with red or blue paste, engraved in intaglio with the heraldic symbol of the family. The round borders were often engraved with indeterminate inscriptions, using Latin and Greek letters.

With a central perching bird motif, border with legend '* PENSET DE MOY' (think of me); supplied with an impression. 5.89 grams, 20.3 mm



Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From an East Anglian private collection.