Medieval Iron Horse Bit Group

The body with finial formed as two addorsed birds' heads with pierced eyes, central vertical raised rib; suspension loop to reverse. 31.9 grams, 71 mm



Acquired on the German art market around 2000s. From the collection of an EU gentleman living in the UK.

Including fifteen accompanied by Portable Antiquities Scheme records; the group comprises keys, weights, decorated strap fittings, spurs, zoomorphic fittings, mounts, buckles, purse bars, together with other miscellaneous artefacts. 504 grams total, 1.5-9.2 mm



Found Berkshire, UK. Accompanied by a copies of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report nos.BERK-295403, BERK-292F92, BERK-0FE2F4, BERK-06C0C1, BERK-AEB5D8, BERK-1493B1, BERK-AF6F65, BERK-099715, BERK-291D63, BERK-0A20F6, BERK-098C07, BERK-AE7863, BERK-35D023, and BERK-9E452C.

Including a jar with scalloped foot, a piriform juglet, footed pot with handle, small jar with remaining handle, likely bird water feeder and a stamped tripod dish; most glazed; most chipped or cracked. 3.3 kg total, 10-18 cm



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

The salt-glazed stoneware jugs, like some of the specimens here presented, had a distinctive pitted ‘orange-skin’ surface. These tall jugs often have grooves around their bodies to support them during the high-temperature firing which was necessary to achieve the hard fabric. First imported into Britain in the early 14th century stone wares became common in the 16th and 17th centuries. Most came from production centres in the Rhineland, notably Cologne, Frechen, Langerwehe, Raeren and Westerwald.