Loading, please wait...
_900x900.jpg "Medieval de Blanchfort or de Molay Family Personal Silver Heraldic Seal Matrix")
_200x200.jpg "Medieval de Blanchfort or de Molay Family Personal Silver Heraldic Seal Matrix")
_900x900.jpg "Medieval de Blanchfort or de Molay Family Personal Silver Heraldic Seal Matrix")
_200x200.jpg "Medieval de Blanchfort or de Molay Family Personal Silver Heraldic Seal Matrix")
.jpg "Medieval de Blanchfort or de Molay Family Personal Silver Heraldic Seal Matrix")
.jpg "Medieval de Blanchfort or de Molay Family Personal Silver Heraldic Seal Matrix")
LOT 0312
Medieval de Blanchfort or de Molay Family Personal Silver Heraldic Seal Matrix
CIRCA 1400-1540 A.D.
1 1/8 in. (12.41 grams, 27 mm high).
With a hexagonal-section facetted handle tapering to a collar of three ridges and openwork trefoil terminal; the face of the matrix with incised heater shield and heraldic arms: a bend and crescent top right; within a trefoil arched tressure a Latin inscription: ' * AVE MARIA GRACIA PLENA' meaning: 'Hail Mary, full of grace'; possibly the arms of the de Blanchfort or de Molay family.
ProvenanceFound whilst searching with a metal detector near Charlton Marshall, North Dorset, on 16 February 2022 by John Earley; recorded as Treasure with Treasure case tracking no.2022T500, and subsequently disclaimed by the Crown.
Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.DOR-771829.
Accompanied by a copy of the report on a find of potential Treasure for H M Coroner from Charlton Marshall, Dorset.
Accompanied by a copy of a letter from the British Museum informing the finder that the Crown's interest in the find has been disclaimed.
The basic heraldic design (the arms) comprises just a bend (diagonal stripe). The crescent is a mark of cadency, denoting the second son i.e. the younger brother of the heir apparent. The basic 'bend' motif appears in many heraldic designs, such as the arms of the de Blanchfort or de Molay families, amongst others. The heraldry of the town of Chaussin (Jura, France) is similar (bend and crescent) but these arms are not known to have been borne by a family.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0312
Medieval de Blanchfort or de Molay Family Personal Silver Heraldic Seal Matrix
Estimate £1,200 - 1,700€1,390 - 1,970 (for guidance only)$1,620 - 2,300 (for guidance only)
-
Medieval Silver Decorated Buckle
1250-1500 A.D.Estimate: £50 - 70 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
With a D-shaped buckle frame with a narrowed and offset bar, moulded knops decorated with a series of covering raised pellets at each end of the bar; a D-section pin fitted around the bar by an open loop, with a raised circumferential collar present at the junction of the loop and shaft of the pin. 1.93 grams, 14 mm
Found by Jason Ashley whilst searching with a metal detector near Overton, Hambleton, North Yorkshire, UK, in 2025. Accompanied by a copy of the Report for H M Coroner on find of Potential Treasure with Treasure reference no.2025T1065. Accompanied by a copy of a letter from the British Museum disclaiming the Crown's interest in the find. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.YORYM-EF238A. -
Medieval Gilt Bronze Statue of the Act of Almsgiving
England, 12th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Featuring a standing figure extending a purse to a kneeling supplicant, an allegory of almsgiving, preserving substantial traces of its original gilding, this rare Romanesque figural group likely formed part of a larger liturgical object such as a portable altar, reliquary, or candlestick; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 26 grams, 43 mm (284 grams total, 68 mm including stand)
By repute to have originated from Romney Marsh, Kent. From the collection of Paul Moore. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13324-257971.
The work finds close parallels in the Romanesque metalwork of England. Its figural treatment and iconographic resonance invite comparison with the celebrated Gloucester Candlestick (c.1107– 1113, Victoria & Albert Museum, inv. M.268-1921), where densely modelled figures act out moral and allegorical themes within a functional ecclesiastical object; with the Romanesque candlestick fragment from the Robert von Hirsch Collection (Sotheby’s, London, 22 June 1978, Lot 210); and with the broader corpus of English and German candlesticks and crosiers discussed by Peter Lasko in Ars Sacra, 800–1200 (1972), which demonstrate the intimate relationship between liturgical function and densely figurative decoration. Cf. also Victoria and Albert Museum, London: The Gloucester Candlestick, c.1107–1113 (inv. M.268-1921). -
Medieval Knight's Enamelled Bronze Heraldic Horse Harness Pendant
Circa 13th-14th century A.D.Estimate: £60 - 80 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Heater-shaped with pierced suspension lug above; enamelled field in undy (wavy) lines with label in chief. 8.69 grams, 42 mm
From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.
The label was applied over the family arms to denote the first son during his father's lifetime.
