Medieval Bronze Trade Weight

Comprising a round-section hoop with an applied floral bezel, small pellet between each petal; decorative wire wrapped around the hoop on each side of the bezel, probably modified from an earlier Hellenistic earring. 2.88 grams, 20.87 mm overall, 16.33 x 15.63 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)



From the property of the late Mr SM, London, UK, 1969-1999.

Inner wooden casket with chamfered rim and separate lid, encased within rectangular gilt-bronze panels with enamel decoration, four gilt-bronze stud feet to the underside; the lid with three nimbate figures, a female saint with palm frond and two flanking figures holding books, all reserved on a blue field with interstitial polychrome rosettes; Side A: nimbate bearded bust of Christ in Majesty with right hand in gesture of benison, left hand supporting a book, flanked by two winged nimbate angels; Side B: nimbate bust of a winged angel in a roundel; Side C: geometric repeating pattern of lozenges with floral fill; Side D: mirror image of Side B. 760 grams, 14.5 cm



John Pierpont Morgan, New York, and London, until 1917. Private collection, Suffolk. Accompanied by a copy of a previous four page illustrated cataloguing document with references. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12039-212154.

The two end-panels are believed to have been added at a later date than the longer panels and may have been trimmed slightly along the lower edges. The panels are attached with domed pins of various types.

Of various types including rectangular holes, ellipsoid holes with countersinking, one with lobed outer edge. 1.2 kg total, 10.2-12.4 cm



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.