Medieval Silver Bracteate with Seated Figure

With bag-shaped hoop, raised lateral straps developing to the claw setting, inset blue glass cabochon. 6.33 grams, 29.73 mm overall, 18.47 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)



Acquired 1970s. From the private collection of a Northern Ireland gentleman. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection.

Roughly circular in plan and displaying semi-naturalistic detailing in high relief. 1.3 kg, 10 cm



Found Berkshire, UK, circa 2008 by M. Ruczynski.

A number of similar objects are known from the PAS e.g: LVPL-844BB9, LIN-66994E, LVPL-F93881, YORYM-0E94A7 and KENT-AD3C5C. Many of these are fairly crudely made and variably worn, The smallest heads are probably horse harness, but this one, for weight and dimensions can be the mount for a wooden chariot or from a building, or some instrument linked to the firing activity.

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.