Medieval Bronze Steelyard Weight

Circular, slightly domed mount with a narrow inner quatrefoil border, outside the angles of the quatrefoil, the spandrels containing a raised dot, with linear marks resembling keying, and one spandrel (lower left) appears to have traces of gilding over these; the quatrefoil filled with a seated human figure, nimbate and with a full skirt and tight bodice, the bodice appears to be gilded and it may be that the object was 'parcel' (partly) gilded to emphasise the clothing, also wearing a cloak covering the shoulders; the right hand holding a cup, raised to the mouth; the left hand reaching out towards a perching bird surrounded by a circle (perhaps also a nimbus, showing that it is a holy bird); the bird with its wings held out above its body and its head and beak held upwards; the background filled with motifs, across the centre two rows of half-ovals, each with a pair of V-shaped indentations in the top resembling tulip flowers, a triangular pillar to each side of the legs, each decorated with a pair of oblique grooves, an enigmatic strip decorated with oblique ribbing, running upwards from the lower part of the left-hand foil to the open top of the cup, the lower end appearing to have a face in profile with eye and open jaw, possibly representing a snake or serpent. 2.76 grams, 19 mm



Found whilst searching with a metal detector on 25th September 2014 near Mersham, Kent, UK; declared as Treasure under the Treasure Act with reference number 2017T553, disclaimed by the Crown and returned to the finder. Property of a Kent gentleman, a specialist medieval collector. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.PUBLIC-FF66A3. Accompanied by a copy of the report on the find of potential Treasure for H M Coroner. Accompanied by a copy of the letter from the British Museum stating that the Crown's interest in this find has been disclaimed.

The PAS report states: 'This scene might perhaps be interpreted as showing St John the Evangelist (author of the Gospel of St John) with his symbol of an eagle and a chalice with a serpent. The later refers to a poisoned chalice, either the cup mentioned by Jesus to James and John in Matthew ch. 20 v. 23, or the chalice mentioned in the Golden Legend (written c.1260 and extremely popular for the rest of the medieval period) in Ch.9 of which John is said to have survived drinking a cup of poison in an attempt to convert a pagan. Although the figure looks female, John was often depicted with delicate features and beardless. The high quality of the ornament suggests a late medieval date. It may be related to plaques from late medieval reliquary box pendants.'

A collection of metal buckles, dress and strap fittings, comprising single-loop and double-loop buckle frames, associated plates, mounts and fastening fragments, including a shaped buckle frame decorated with pronounced curling scrolls, probably intended for a shoe or knee fastening. 87 grams total, 23-41 mm



Acquired on the European art market. UK, private collection.

These illustrate the varied construction of fittings attached to leather straps or clothing, combining functional loops, bars and hooks with decorative profiles and surface ornament. The group principally represents medieval and early modern fastening types. The double-oval frames belong to a tradition particularly widespread during the later medieval period and the 16th–17th centuries, while the more elaborate scroll-decorated frame is consistent with late 17th- or early 18th-century dress accessories.

Comprising D-section hoop with expanding ribbed shoulders enclosing a column with three punched ring-and-dot motif; flat-section hoop with expanding shoulders enclosing a discoid bezel with incised geometric motif. 11.9 grams total, 23-26 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.