Medieval Inscribed Bronze Purse Bar

With a high conical bezel decorated with four bifid scallop-shaped depressions to the outer surface forming a quatrefoil, flower-like design with the scallops acting as petals; a circular and deep central setting holding a turquoise cabochon; the decoration continuing to the reverse of the bezel resulting in a scalloped design, the shoulders sloping down and extending from between two of the quatrefoil petals at opposite sides of the bezel, with restored fine narrow hoop of large wearable size. 2.75 grams, 27.20 mm overall, 20.05 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U, USA 10, Europe 22.52, Japan 21)



Found by Jason Ashley whilst searching with a metal detector near Hutton Conyers, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, UK, on Sunday, 2nd November 2025. Accompanied by a copy of the Report for H M Coroner on find of Potential Treasure with Treasure reference no.2025T1429. 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-1E3B30. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13293-255044.

The PAS report discusses that: 'Turquoise was not a particularly valuable stone in the Middle Ages, but one that was valued for its amuletic properties, protecting the wearer against poisoning, drowning, or having an accident while riding. It was also supposed to have the property of indicating the state of health of the wearer by the shade the Turquoise went.'

Comprising: Anglo-Norman scabbard mount with high-relief lion passant gardant; harness mount with heraldic heater shield, rivet for attachment; obverse face of a two-part scabard chape with openwork trefoil'; buckle loop with lobes; ring bezel with 'W' and leaves; strap end with columnar shank and knop finial; small gilt heatert-shaped harness mount; Roman amphora-type strap end with punched-point detailing; trapezoidal appliqué fragment with raised lateral flanges, reserved Ultimate La Tène scrolls on a keyed field with remains of enamel fill. 79 grams total, 26-70 mm



From the private collection of a Sussex, UK, gentleman.

Quatrefoil pendant with a hanger, formed as four circular discs, each with a six-petalled flower. 12.9 grams, 47 mm



From the private collection of Graham Slater (1927-2024), Cambridge, UK; formed 1980s-1990s.