Medieval Gilt Bronze Knight's Horse Harness Hanger with Lion

Of vesica shape and bearing the central device of a crouching squirrel with tail raised over its back and inscribed incuse and reversed +S'IO+h'IS+DE D+VhTO which may be interpreted as Seal of John of Duhto [an uncertain place or abbreviation of a place name]; the presence of multiple crosses within the inscription which do not appear to divide words is unusual; with raised loop to the reverse. 5.79 grams, 25 mm



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in the former grounds of the preceptory at Temple Bruer with Temple High Grange, Lincolnshire, UK, by Steve Lane at 1pm on Sunday 5th February 2023. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme report reference SWYOR-17DA60.

Vesica-shaped seal matrices are often associated with the clergy or others with religious connections so this matrix could be directly associated with the Knights Templar preceptory at Temple Bruer (founded in reign of Henry II) where it was found, or with a Templar visitor there; the appearance of four crosses to the inscription, in place of the more usual single cross at the start/finish of the wording (in this case at the head of the squirrel), is unusual and may be linked to the particular significance of crosses to the Knights Templar members.

The figure carved wearing a hooded cowl, face face with furrowed brow, hooded eyes, sunken cheeks and down-turned mouth; remains of moulded springer to the top and rear of the head; chipped; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 3.8 kg, 28 cm including stand



Ex Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK. Ex London collection, 1980s-1990s.

Modelled in the half-round standing with head left on a plinth base, rectangular fixing socket to underside. 25.1 grams, 32 mm high



‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.