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LOT 1932
Medieval Bronze Priest's Laver in the Shape of a Dog's Head
CIRCA 14TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
3 in. (48.7 grams, 75 mm).
With stylised zoomorphic detailing to the spout, mouth developing to a round-section spout, arched neck with a section cut away for attachment. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound North Yorkshire, UK.
PublishedExhibited at the Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 8th June 2026-14th September 2026; accompanied by a copy of a photograph of the artefacts on display.
LiteratureSee Lewis, J.M., Bronze Aquamaniles and Ewers, Finds Research Group 700-1700 Datasheet 7, 1991, for a similar example excavated from Cardiff Castle moats.
FootnotesA priest's laver was a large ceremonial basin used for ritual ablutions.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1932
Medieval Bronze Priest's Laver in the Shape of a Dog's Head
Estimate £30 - 40€35 - 46 (for guidance only)$41 - 54 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
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Medieval Silver-Gilt Annular Brooch
Circa 13th-14th century A.D.Estimate: £50 - 70 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
With billeted inner and outer rims and D-section central panel decorated with punched-point wreath detail, the ring waisted to accommodate a flat-section triangular tongue. 7.49 grams, 32 mm
Ex Horton collection; previously in a Buckinghamshire, UK, collection since the 1980s. Private collection, Suffolk, UK. -
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. -
Medieval Bronze Seal Matrix with Pair of Birds
14th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Vesica-shaped with a loop on the reverse, two birds flanking a tree at the centre, and the inscription likely reading ‘SIGILLVMS : EERETI’ for 'SIGILLVM SECRETI' (private seal)'. 7.66 grams, 30 mm
Acquired on the European art market.
