Medieval 'Thames' Bronze Three Wise Men Applique Fragment

Comprising sculpted frond to each shoulder, rectangular stepped cell to the bezel with inset pyramidal topaz cabochon. 5.40 grams, 23.50 mm overall, 17.13 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)



Acquired on the European art market in the 1990s. UK collection of a European gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12297-219626.

The obverse depicting the busts of St Peter and St Paul each within an inverted pear shaped compartment defined by pellets; cross pattee supported on a staff between the busts and at the top of the bulla in the centre the letters 'SPASPE', abbreviations for St Paul and St Peter; reverse inscribed over three lines 'ALE/XANDER/PP.IIII', with an omega above the letters 'PP'; both obverse and reverse faces with a pelleted perimeter. 31.1 grams, 30 mm



Private collection, UK.

The 'PP' abbreviation stands for 'pastor pastorum', translated as 'shepherd of the shepherds'. The bulla was so named because it was attached to Papal documents or 'Bullae'. They were sent from the offices of the Pope in Rome and the seal signified that the document was issued with the Pope's authority. Alexander's pontificate was signalled by efforts to reunite the Eastern Orthodox churches with the Catholic Church, by the establishment of the Inquisition in France, by favours shown to the mendicant orders, and by an attempt to organize a crusade against the Mongols after the second Mongol raid against Poland in 1259.

Elaborate swivel with large openwork bulbs and decorative motifs; many of these objects are published in the Detector Finds book series. 103 grams total, 32-47 mm



From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.