Medieval 'Thames' Bronze Pin Collection

An elaborate quatrefoil with mounting stud to centre on reverse; device a crowned capital letter 'R'; trace remains of red enamel. 22.2 grams, 41 mm



Acquired on the UK market, 1990s. Property of a retired academic.

The letter could possess either religious or secular significance.

Heavy with a lead core, spherical in form with pierced flange for suspension above and hatched band to the shoulder; an unusal unofficial copy with three heater shields with raised heraldic arms spaced equally around the body, etched geometric band of chevrons above. 615 grams, 56 mm



Ex Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK, in the 1990s. From a North London collection.

These heraldic steelyard weights were originally made under the official sanction of Richard (brother of King Henry III) or Edmund, Duke of Cornwall on behalf of the King; Edmund died in 1300 A.D. and such weights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. This example would most likely have been made unofficially towards the end 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.

Oil on board devotional panel in a gilt wooden frame; the Virgin in a bottle-green gown with gilt collar and cream undershift, crimson mantle; the naked Christ supported on his mother's left hip, his left foot clasped in the interleaved fingers of her right hand; textured gilt field; attributed to a follower of Dirk Bouts. 2.8 kg, 57 cm high



Collection of Henri and Suzanne Paradis since circa 1967. From the sale of their collection at Deburaux, 4 July 2015, lot 19. Ex central London gallery. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11902-207281.