Medieval Iron Dagger Blade with Lower Guard

Discoid with beaded border, repoussé scene with lancet-arch arcade, nimbate Christ seated on a throne in majesty with orb and sceptre in his hands, in front of him Mary Magdalene, behind and below him the sleeping guards of the Holy Sepulchre; attachment holes to the rim. 2.90 grams, 37 mm



Ex Peter Szuhay, 2005. Ex private collection, Suffolk, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12055-217473.

These silver-gilt medallions with scenes of the Christ's life (here the Anastasis) in repoussé, are showing Gothic architectural features characteristic of the 14th century A.D., which are often represented in artworks of the late Medieval age including manuscript illuminations and stained glass. Interestingly, the representation of the guards show a typical military costume of Medieval Germany of the same period, with chapel-de-fer and triangular shield.

With D-section hoop, chamfered shoulders each with incised cross moline motif, square bezel with seriffed 'M' within a border. 9.39 grams, 27.37 mm overall, 19.72 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)



Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970s.

Obverse with heraldic heater shield, reverse with double-headed eagle. 0.74 grams, 16 mm



Found Billingsgate spoil from the Thames foreshore, London, UK, circa 1984. Property of an Essex collector.