Medieval Bronze Ring with Saltire

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: a complete heraldic pendant accompanied by a Portable Antiquities Scheme record, quatrefoil in plan with a triangular tab between each foil creating a central shield bearing a worn heraldic device, possibly azure, a bend cotticed or, with worn remains of red and blue enamelling and trace remains of gilding, dated c.1340-1450; a square fitting displaying an X-motif and remains of gilding, stud to reverse; quatrefoil pendant with occluded loop and crowned shield to centre bearing heraldic device; large square-shaped pendant with broad bar, hatching and body, enigmatic recessed design with remains of blue and red enamelling and gilding; rectangular pendant with bars to one edge, circular piercing to three corners, enigmatic recessed design; fitting comprising two joined openwork discs with stars at the apex and studs to reverses. 71 grams total, 21-57 mm



Found Berkshire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.BERK-9E41E1.

Comprising hook-ended examples together with one square-ended example. 8 kg total, 25-48 cm



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

During the Roman period chopping tools such as cleavers were predominantly used whilst during the medieval period knives and cleavers were the preferred tools for butchering carcasses. Cleavers were also often depicted in medieval art as having riveted handles. Such handles made a cleaver more durable, whilst using steel as a component of the blade made it last longer.