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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
Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
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Medieval Bronze Knight's Holy Sepulchre Badge
Circa 13th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Formed as a cross-crosslet, the symbol of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre. 1.69 grams, 23 mm
Found Suffolk, UK. Property of a Suffolk, UK, gentleman.
The '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. -
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). -
Medieval Gilt Copper Mounts of Mary Magdalene and Saint John the Evangelist
Italy, 16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £211
Both saints shown nimbate and dressed in voluminous robes, Mary's long hair cascading down her shoulders and holding an ointment jar in her hands. 74.9 grams total, 57-58 mm
Private collection, UK.
