Medieval Knight's Bronze Heraldic Horse Harness Pendant with Flower

Comprising: suspension strap formed as two roundels with stamped pellet clusters and returned end holding the bar of a hinge securing the pendant, a quatrefoil type with its surface divided by bilinear bars into triangular zones, with a stamped rosette in each angle. 16.4 grams, 87 mm



From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

Discoid type depicting a bearded face within a raised border of annulets, each with a pellet at its centre; integrally cast pin to reverse. 2.97 grams, 20 mm



Found Alford, Lincolnshire, UK. Recorded with UKDFD no.49065.

The badge possibly represents the head of John the Baptist on a platter, but an alternative interpretation is that it depicts the face of Christ in a form known as the 'Vernicle' or 'Veronica', which arises from the legend that the face of Christ was miraculously impressed on the handkerchief or veil that Saint Veronica gave to him to wipe his face on the way to Calvary. In support of the case for this interpretation, Spencer illustrates another circular badge of generally similar type (No. 254c), but with a border inscribed with the first line of a popular 14th-century prayer composed in honour of the Vernicle. In support of the case for the John the Baptist interpretation, some very similar badges depict a rather dishevelled head with a sharply couped neck.

Vesica-shaped with a loop on the reverse, a bird holding a branch at the centre, inscription surrounding 'IESV: SEL BON E LEL', translating as ‘I am a seal, good and loyal’. 5.88 grams, 26 mm



Acquired on the European art market.