Medieval Gold Heart-Shaped Pendant

Engraved with two crosses fourchée within a circular frame, flanking crescents. 2.36 grams, 22.74mm overall, 20.30mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



English collection, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market. Ex property of an Essex gentleman. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection.

The use of seals became more and more essential during the time when the majority of the population was illiterate; the use of signet rings continued until after the fall of Rome in the West. With the establishment of heraldry, the armorial signet was generally adopted by all those entitled to bear arms. A considerable proportion of medieval rings were signets, with portraits, names or monograms, and emblems such as the cross, most of these having the designs cut in a metal bezel.

Comprising small scythes and knife blades of various types. 1.75 kg total, 11-24 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

A variety of 14th and 15th century forms of knives are represented here including several with stepped backs. In the 14th century the blades of the knives became to be longer and thinner and frequently marked.

With round-section shank and dished bezel, inset glass cabochon displaying a youthful male bust in three-quarter view, possibly Apollo. 20.22 grams, 28.60 mm overall, 18.96 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



Acquired in the 1980s on the London art market. Ex Walsh collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11906-207091.