Medieval Bronze Strap End with Crowned Head of a King

Fragmentary remains of two different types of pilgrim ampullae, one retaining a handle; one displaying a cross to one face and shield to the other. 56.6 grams total, 45 mm each



Acquired on the UK market, 1990s. Property of a retired academic.

The oval die bearing a standing female figure next to a tree or shrub, a child(?) standing next to her, surrounding Latin legend 'SIGIL [...]GILE (or possibly SVLE) [...]'; hexagonal stem with collars and trefoil loop. 15.2 grams, 31 mm



Found Berkshire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.BERK-AEF473.

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These heraldic steelyard weights were originally made under the official sanction of Richard (brother of King Henry III) or Edmund, Duke of Cornwall on behalf of the King; Edmund died in 1300 A.D. and such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