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LOT 1862
Medieval Bronze Knight's Holy Sepulchre Badge
CIRCA 13TH-14TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (1.34 grams, 24 mm).
Formed as a cross-crosslet, the symbol of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, with a punched-point border and a stud on the reverse. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound Suffolk, UK.
Property of a Suffolk, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Mitchiner, M., Medieval Pilgrim & Secular Badges, London, 1986, items 939-41.
FootnotesThe 'Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem' was an order of knighthood under the protection of the Pope, formed around 1099 AD by Duke Godfrey of Bouillon, the leader of the First Crusade. It was established for the protection of pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land and was recognised by a Papal Bull in about 1113 AD.
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Medieval Gilt Bronze Cross Pendant
England, 1100-1300 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Formed as four radiating round-section arms with disc finials; integral loop above. 8.19 grams, 30 mm
Found Wilden, Bedfordshire, UK. Recorded with UKDFD no.54759. -
Medieval Gilt Bronze Statue of the Act of Almsgiving
England, 12th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Featuring a standing figure extending a purse to a kneeling supplicant, an allegory of almsgiving, preserving substantial traces of its original gilding, this rare Romanesque figural group likely formed part of a larger liturgical object such as a portable altar, reliquary, or candlestick; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 26 grams, 43 mm (284 grams total, 68 mm including stand)
By repute to have originated from Romney Marsh, Kent. From the collection of Paul Moore. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13324-257971.
The work finds close parallels in the Romanesque metalwork of England. Its figural treatment and iconographic resonance invite comparison with the celebrated Gloucester Candlestick (c.1107– 1113, Victoria & Albert Museum, inv. M.268-1921), where densely modelled figures act out moral and allegorical themes within a functional ecclesiastical object; with the Romanesque candlestick fragment from the Robert von Hirsch Collection (Sotheby’s, London, 22 June 1978, Lot 210); and with the broader corpus of English and German candlesticks and crosiers discussed by Peter Lasko in Ars Sacra, 800–1200 (1972), which demonstrate the intimate relationship between liturgical function and densely figurative decoration. Cf. also Victoria and Albert Museum, London: The Gloucester Candlestick, c.1107–1113 (inv. M.268-1921). -
Royal Medieval Bronze Carriage Plate of Edward III and his Wife Queen Philippa of Hainault
England, 1327-1377 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Discoid appliqué, flat in section and slightly distorted; incuse heraldic detailing to obverse blazoned 'Quarterly 1st and 4th Gules three lions passant guardant [Or] 2nd and 3rd [Or] four lions rampant [in a quadrangle] the 1st and 4th Sable the 2nd and 3rd [Gules]'. 37.2 grams, 59 mm
Found Lowick, East Northamptonshire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.BH-7A9E2F.
The Royal College of Arms has identified these arms as belonging to King Edward III and his wife, Philippa of Hainault (r. 1327 - 1369). The terminus post quem for this piece is therefore 1327, the date of the marriage, and the likely terminus ante quem is Edward's death in 1377. A circular mount with the same fixing method, which bore the arms of the Bishopric of Ely, was found in Norfolk and is illustrated and described by Steven Ashley (2002: Fig. 20, p. 45, no. 196). The presence of the royal arms on this piece is likely to be a public display of allegiance to the throne rather than an indication of ownership on the part of the crown.
