Medieval Knight's Bronze Heraldic Horse Harness Pendant

Discoid appliqué, flat in section and slightly distorted; incuse heraldic detailing to obverse blazoned 'Quarterly 1st and 4th Gules three lions passant guardant [Or] 2nd and 3rd [Or] four lions rampant [in a quadrangle] the 1st and 4th Sable the 2nd and 3rd [Gules]'. 37.2 grams, 59 mm



Found Lowick, East Northamptonshire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.BH-7A9E2F.

The Royal College of Arms has identified these arms as belonging to King Edward III and his wife, Philippa of Hainault (r. 1327 - 1369). The terminus post quem for this piece is therefore 1327, the date of the marriage, and the likely terminus ante quem is Edward's death in 1377. A circular mount with the same fixing method, which bore the arms of the Bishopric of Ely, was found in Norfolk and is illustrated and described by Steven Ashley (2002: Fig. 20, p. 45, no. 196). The presence of the royal arms on this piece is likely to be a public display of allegiance to the throne rather than an indication of ownership on the part of the crown.

Formed as a cross-crosslet, the symbol of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, with a punched-point border. 1.5 grams, 23 mm



Found Suffolk, UK.

The 'Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem' was an order of knighthood under the protection of the Pope, formed around 1099 AD by Duke Godfrey of Bouillon, the leader of the First Crusade. It was established for the protection of pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land and was recognised by a Papal Bull in about 1113 AD.

Slender keeled hoop and a high bezel set with a polished sapphire cabochon. 2.24 grams, 23.70 mm overall, 18.14 x 19.03 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13389-258004.

The style of the ring is known as a stirrup ring due to the resemblance the form has to stirrups on a horse. During the Middle Ages, gemstones were often associated with magical and protective properties that they were believed to possess. Gemstones could protect against evil or poisons, as well as heightening the individual’s characteristics and strengths. Sapphires were frequently worn by Bishops and other clergy due to their ability to promote their bearer’s chastity and piety. Sapphires were believed to be able to change colour if the wearer acted sinfully or lacked faith; it was because of this belief that jewels set with sapphires were worn as symbols of honesty and devout faith.