Medieval Enamelled Gilt Bronze Heraldic Horse Harness Pendant for Philippa of Hainault, Queen of Edward III

Heater-shaped pendant with integral loop above; quartered arms, each a lion rampant on an enamelled field; possibly for Philippa of Hainault, Queen of Edward III, or Brabant. 11.8 grams, 39 mm



Found whilst searching with a metal detector at Steepton Bill Farm, Milton Abbas, West Dorset, on 3 April 2025 by Charles Bullock. Accompanied by a copy of UKDFD report no.58557 and research by Bryan Phillips. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The obverse depicting the busts of St Peter and St Paul each within an inverted pear-shaped compartment defined by pellets; cross pattee supported on a staff between the busts and at the top of the bulla in the centre remains of the letters 'SPASPE', abbreviations for St Paul and St Peter; reverse inscribed over three lines 'NICO/LAVS:/PP:III', with an omega above the letters 'PP'; both obverse and reverse faces with a pelletted perimeter. 23.6 grams, 32 mm



Found on a Yorkshire rally at Minskip, UK, 2007. Property of a UK private collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Pope Nicholas III (reigned 1277-1280) issued several papal bulls during his pontificate, most notably the bull In Nomine Domini, which addressed papal elections and church reform. This bull is significant because it established the rules for papal elections and reduced the influence of secular powers in the process. Another important bull issued by Nicholas III was Exiit Qui Seminat, which aimed to resolve disputes within the Franciscan order between strict and relaxed observance groups.

A large circular mount with a low-relief non-uniform cross, likely representing two intertwined calligraphic letters, perhaps 'C' and 'T'; vines or leaves flowing from possible banner decoration, recessed within an octagonal frame; evidence of gilding to the letter 'C' and around the border. 14.1 grams, 46 mm



Found whilst searching near Winsley, Wiltshire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.WILT-AC2B28. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.