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LOT 0348
Medieval Bronze Steelyard Weight with Heraldic Shields
CIRCA 1260-1300 A.D.
2 1/4 in. (615 grams, 56 mm).
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. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK, in the 1990s.
From a North London collection.
For official examples see: Saunders, Peter and Eleanor, Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum Medieval Catalogue, Part 1, SSWM, 1991, p.48, item 1, for an example displaying the same heraldry; cf. Ward Perkins, J. B., Medieval Catalogue, London Museum Catalogues 7, 1940, p.173, item A2487, pl.XXXVIII, 2, for another example.
FootnotesThese heraldic steelyard weights were originally made under the official sanction of Richard (brother of King Henry III) or Edmund, Duke of Cornwall on behalf of the King; Edmund died in 1300 A.D. and such weights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.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0348
Medieval Bronze Steelyard Weight with Heraldic Shields
Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
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Late Medieval Bronze Chalice
Eastern Europe, 16th-17th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,560
Formed with a U-shaped bowl, tapering cylindrical stem and domed discoid foot, the body exterior displaying clusters of vertical ribs alternating with columns of pellets; mounted on a custom-made wooden display base. 750 grams, 12 cm high (890 grams total, 15 cm high including stand)
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman.
The chalice is the most important liturgical object used in Christian worship, and for centuries it has been given a central place on the altar. Its form directly references the vessel used by Christ during the Last Supper when, according to the Gospel of Matthew (26:27-28) he ‘took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to [his disciples], saying: Drink ye all of it for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.’ Since the moment of transubstantiation is believed to occur while the chalice is filled with the Communion wine, such vessels have historically been created using the richest, most precious materials available to the church and its craftsmen. -
Medieval Base Silver Ring with Star
14th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
With keeled hoop, the shoulders with a raised leaf-shaped plaque; round bezel with a stylised star motif on a textured field. 11.94 grams, 24.71 mm overall, 18.43 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Medieval and Later Bronze Trade Weight Collection
Circa 15th-18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Including 'cup', discoid and handled types, some displaying lettering, numerals and symbols. 330 grams total, 14-45 mm
Found Berkshire, UK.
