Medieval Bronze Knight's Heraldic Horse Harness Pendant Group

With a thick rectangular-section blade, curved edge and D-shaped section socket with elongated slender neck. 1 kg, 22 cm



Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.

A number of axes of this type have been found in Western Central Europe and the Baltic countries. They were mostly found in the second half of 13th century and 15th century A.D. contexts, but ichnographically attest that they were still in use in the 16th century A.D.

A compass composed of two articulate arms, the lower bodies with a triangular cross-section. 5.41 grams, 55 mm



European collection, 1990s. Property of a Cambridgeshire, UK, gentleman.

Of heater shield type, displaying a bird walking left passant regardant; trace remains of enamel; suspension loop above. 6.02 grams, 40 mm



Found UK. Acquired on the UK art market after 2000. Ex Stratford collection, Suffolk, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.WMID-BFE324.

Pendants such as this were suspended from horse harnesses using mounts rivetted to the straps. Harness pendants appear to have come into fashion in the 12th century, growing more numerous in the 13th century. In the second half of the 13th century, heraldic designs on them appeared and by the end of the 14th century, the fashion for such pendants was in decline.