Medieval Bronze Knight's Heraldic Horse Harness Pendant

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.

Composed primarily of glazed pots, bowls and tankard, including examples retaining their handles and complete examples. 4.35 kg total, 5.5-28.5 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

The majority of ceramics here presented are kitchen wares. Usually cooking pots are the most numerous forms in the majority of medieval contexts. They are mostly related to domestic functions, cooking pots being used to boil food or fry it. They come in different sizes and have globular bodies, everted rims and one or two handles.

Composed of a carinated hoop with raised plaque and angled shoulders, circular bezel with fluting to the underside, the outer face engraved with a cross at centre, a flourish to each quarter. 3.73 grams, 21.89 mm overall, 14.84 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)



Ex old English collection. London art market, 1980s.