Loading, please wait...
LOT 1323
Medieval Steelyard Weight with Heraldic Shields
CIRCA 1260-1300 A.D.
2 in. (379 grams, 54 mm high).
A substantial bronze weight for use with a steelyard balance with lead core, spherical in form with pierced flange for suspension above and hatched band to the shoulder; three heater shields with raised heraldic arms spaced equally around the body, etched geometric band of chevrons above.
ProvenanceFound by Adrian Gayler, Essex, UK.
Property of an Essex gentleman.
Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Treasure Hunting Magazine pages where it has been published.
'Well Worth the Weight', Treasure Hunting Magazine, April 2022, p.9.
LiteratureCf. Saunders, Peter and Eleanor, Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum Medieval Catalogue, Part 1, SSWM, 1991, p.48, item 1, for an example displaying the same heraldry; cf. Ward Perkins, J. B., Medieval Catalogue, London Museum Catalogues 7, 1940, p.173, item A2487, pl.XXXVIII, 2, for another example.
FootnotesThese heraldic steelyard weights were made under the official sanction of Richard (son of King Henry III) or Edmund, Duke of Cornwall on behalf of the King; Edmund died in 1300 A.D. and such weights were banned in 1350 so that this example would most likely to be of the period 1260-1300 A.D.; the Hanseatic League was created in Germany to protect the interests and privileges of merchants in the medieval period, starting in Europe and with influence spreading to England from the 13th century.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Medieval Steelyard Weight with Heraldic Shields
Circa 1260-1300 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £279
A substantial bronze weight for use with a steelyard balance with lead core, spherical in form with pierced flange for suspension above and hatched band to the shoulder; three heater shields with raised heraldic arms spaced equally around the body, etched geometric band of chevrons above. 379 grams, 54 mm high
Fine condition.
Found by Adrian Gayler, Essex, UK. Property of an Essex gentleman. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Treasure Hunting Magazine pages where it has been published.
These heraldic steelyard weights were made under the official sanction of Richard (son of King Henry III) or Edmund, Duke of Cornwall on behalf of the King; Edmund died in 1300 A.D. and such weights were banned in 1350 so that this example would most likely to be of the period 1260-1300 A.D.; the Hanseatic League was created in Germany to protect the interests and privileges of merchants in the medieval period, starting in Europe and with influence spreading to England from the 13th century. -
Medieval and Other Ring Collection
15th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £117
A mixed group of copper-alloy rings of various types and sizes, including examples set with glass cabochons, openwork shoulders, punched and incised geometric motifs, and a bezel dated '1898', amongst others. 34.9 grams total, 20-24 mm
Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman. -
Large French Medieval Round 'Wild Bull of Cumis' Seal Matrix
Early 15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
A substantial bronze discoid seal matrix with strap and loop to the reverse; central incuse motif of a bull passant gardant with war hammer below, border with pointillé edges and enigmatic Lombardic script legend '·+· S' FERA bOVIS D'CVMIS' (seal of the wild bull of Cumis). 20.5 grams 32 mm
The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Matrix Collection catalogue no.1111. Many of the seals within the collection were published in a book titled 'The Matrix Collection', by David Morris in 2012.
