Medieval Bronze Ring with Cross

Rectangular, with lead came frame and later suspension loop to each corner; painted scene depicting a bishop wearing his mitre and chasuble and holding his crozier standing among a group of disputants in a gallery with reliquary caskets above. 436 grams, 26 x 19.5 cm



These panels come from a Parisian flat in the 7th arrondissement, very close to the Rodin Museum. The family owning the panels lived in the flat for several generations. Ex central London gallery.

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These heraldic steelyard weights were originally made under the official sanction of Richard (brother of King Henry III) or Edmund, Duke of Cornwall on behalf of the King; Edmund died in 1300 A.D. and such weights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.

Openwork winged beast to the centre, its tails curling beneath the body creating the foliate tendrils on which it perches, broad outer roundel decorated with geometric plants alternating with lozenges, extensive remains of blue champlevé enamelling; engraved and chiselled; four attachment holes. 61 grams, 89 mm wide



with Sotheby's, London, 9 December 1993, lot 22. Private collection, Europe. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11903-206496.

Likely used to adorn a coffret. Likely before 1227 A.D.