Medieval Gold and Garnet Garter Hooks

With wooden core to which the embossed sheets have been attached; the obverse with a central nimbate Corpus Christi, an applied rosette above and to the left arm; an angel to the finial of the upper and lower arm with Mary and St John the Evangelist to the side arms; the reverse with a central figure of Jesus holding the Gospel and making the sign of blessing; each finial of the arm with the symbols of the Evangelists (eagle, angel, lion and ox); the cross resting on a floral sphere with a socket below. 920 grams, 52.5 cm

Some damage and repair.

with Adolphe Goumaz, Pully, Switzerland. Ex private collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11804-206500.

The metal sheets of the cross seem to be 15th century A.D. North Italian work. The four Evangelists are depicted with a human face at the front of the cross, and in animal forms at the reverse.

Composed of a hexagonal stem with collars and trilobate loop, circular die bearing a facing stag's head caboshed, with a cross between the antlers, surrounding Latin inscription 'IESVS MERCI' ('Jesus have mercy on me'); accompanied by an impression. 8.6 grams, 24 mm



Found Berkshire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.BERK-9CFE1B.

The design reflects the visions of St Eustace (2nd century) and Saint Hubert (8th century), who saw a stag with cross between antlers whilst hunting.

Heater-shield shaped with integral suspension loop, a stylised lion facing left in white enamel against remains of a gilt field. 11.1 grams, 41 mm



Acquired early 1990s. From an East Anglian private collection.