Medieval Bronze Ring Brooch Collection

The body with finial formed as two addorsed birds' heads with pierced eyes, central vertical raised rib; suspension loop to reverse. 31.9 grams, 71 mm



Acquired on the German art market around 2000s. From the collection of an EU gentleman living in the UK.

Comprising small scythes and knife blades of various types. 1.75 kg total, 11-24 cm



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

A variety of 14th and 15th century forms of knives are represented here including several with stepped backs. In the 14th century the blades of the knives became to be longer and thinner and frequently marked.

Heavy with a lead core, spherical in form with pierced flange for suspension above and hatched band to the shoulder; an unusal unofficial copy with three heater shields with raised heraldic arms spaced equally around the body, etched geometric band of chevrons above. 615 grams, 56 mm



Ex Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK, in the 1990s. From a North London collection.

These heraldic steelyard weights were originally made under the official sanction of Richard (brother of King Henry III) or Edmund, Duke of Cornwall on behalf of the King; Edmund died in 1300 A.D. and such weights were banned in 1350. This example would most likely have been made unofficially towards the end of the period 1260-1300 A.D. The Hanseatic League was created in Germany to protect the interests and privileges of merchants in the medieval period, starting in Europe and with influence spreading to England from the 13th century.