Medieval Limestone Corbel Head

Comprising a single cutting edge and scale tang; bifacial pommel engraved with a female figure to one face and an enigmatic design to the other. 35 grams, 17 cm



Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

There were four essential ways to carry the small knifes in late Middle Ages: a) with the scabbard tucked diagonally behind belt, without suspension loop; b) without scabbard, simply thrust through the purse of the belt; c) with the scabbard tied horizontally at waist with suspension holes in the widened handle flap; d) suspended vertically from thong looped over the belt, in the scabbard.

Featuring a large circular die face and hexagonal stem, with collars and pierced quatrefoil handle, incised orientation star to edge; the die bearing a knightly device of a helmet with chaplet on canted shield of arms bearing three bull's heads cabossed and chevron with surrounding ' LE * S * ROBERTI * LE CONTES' legend. 38.9 grams, 34 mm



Found near Stoke Ferry, Norfolk, circa 2008. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11901-204414.

'Sigillum Roberti le Contes ' is 'seal of Count Robert'. Three bulls' heads appear on the arms of the Beverley family. The chaplet or 'cap of maintenance' is a stylised fur-lined cap which appears in the heraldry of leading families; the helm of the Black Prince in Canterbury Cathedral is made with a chaplet and a lion standing on the rim.

Comprising both elements of a garment clasp: one rectangular with cut and polished garnet inlay, loop to one edge and two fitting loops to reverse; hook featuring two circular cells inlaid with cut and polished garnets, applied granules between. 0.89 grams total, 7-10 mm



From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.