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LOT 1886
Medieval Bronze Pilgrim's Miniature Horse Shoe of St. Eligius
CIRCA 14TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (4.95 grams, 25 mm).
Modelled as an arching horseshoe with nine nail holes. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a European collection, 1990s.
Accompanied by a previous dealer's sales ticket.
This attribute results from a story in which Saint Eligius exorcised a demon from a badly-behaved horse by twisting off its leg and miraculously reattaching it. Through doing this, he also managed to trumpet his skills as a metalworker by re-shoeing it while the leg was detached. For this reason, he is also the patron saint of farriers.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1886
Medieval Bronze Pilgrim's Miniature Horse Shoe of St. Eligius
Estimate £40 - 60€46 - 70 (for guidance only)$54 - 81 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
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Medieval Silver Engraved Ring
15th-16th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Comprising a D-section hoop with hatching on the shoulders, a raised oval bezel with a bird, a star, and other motifs. 9.55 grams, 24.29 mm overall, 18.83 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Medieval Knight's Bronze Heraldic Horse Harness Pendant with Feather
13th-15th century A.D.Estimate: £50 - 70 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Discoid pendant with a feather flanked by fleur-de-lys. 6.8 grams, 42 mm
From the private collection of Graham Slater (1927-2024), Cambridge, UK; formed 1980s-1990s. -
Medieval Gold Stirrup Ring with Sapphire
13th-14th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Slender keeled hoop and a high bezel set with a polished sapphire cabochon. 2.24 grams, 23.70 mm overall, 18.14 x 19.03 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)
Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13389-258004.
The style of the ring is known as a stirrup ring due to the resemblance the form has to stirrups on a horse. During the Middle Ages, gemstones were often associated with magical and protective properties that they were believed to possess. Gemstones could protect against evil or poisons, as well as heightening the individual’s characteristics and strengths. Sapphires were frequently worn by Bishops and other clergy due to their ability to promote their bearer’s chastity and piety. Sapphires were believed to be able to change colour if the wearer acted sinfully or lacked faith; it was because of this belief that jewels set with sapphires were worn as symbols of honesty and devout faith.
