Additional Items – 2
1. Griffin
Taken from a 14th century bronze original, it depicts the fabulous griffin,
the favoured emblem of King Edward II, victor at Crecy in 1346. Probably the
first mythical beast to find its way into English heraldry, the griffin appears
on the seal of the Earl of Essex in 1167. It was a popular device on the shields
of medieval knights.
Griffin, boxed with history.
2. Lady of Tombelaine
Cast from an early 15th century original of the Virgin and Holy Child. The
badge is attributed to a shrine on the island of Tombelaine, off the Normandy
coast of France where a chapel was founded in the 12th century. The original
badge was found in the River Avon in Salisbury, England and is now in the
keeping of the Salisbury Museum.
Lady of Tombelaine, boxed with history.
3. Heraldic Lion
Cast from an original 15th century pewter badge. As an heraldic beast, it
is officially described as a lion passant guardant.
The original badge was found buried on the foreshore of the river Thames in
the City of London.
Heraldic Lion, boxed with history.
4. Spurs
Cast from a rare pewter badge dating from the late 14th century. It depicts
an elaborate pair of knights spurs. Such badges are thought to have been produced
to celebrate the glamour and excitement of the medieval tournaments.
Spurs, boxed with history.
5. Jousting Knight
Taken from an original 14th century badge.
Jousting Knight, boxed with history.
6. St Edward’s Crown
Cast from a 15th century original. The crown represents a visit to the shrine
of Edward the Confessor in London. Edward, the last of the great Anglo Saxon
kings, is best remembered for building Westminster Abbey.
St Edwards Crown, boxed with history.
7. St Antony
Taken from a 15th century original, this little badge depicts a boar wearing
a bell which has long been the sign of devotion to Saint Antony the 4th century
hermit. These badges would have been worn as a souvenir of a visit to St Antony’s
Hospital in Threadneedle Street in the City of London.
St Antony, boxed with history.
8. Medieval Heart
This pendant (originally a brooch) is taken from a late 13th century bronze
original. It belongs to a group of personal adornments classified as ‘decorated
annular brooches’. The shape of the heart has long symbolised both sacred
and amorous love.
Medieval Heart, boxed with history.
9. St Peter
The figure of St Peter holding an outsized key.
St Peter, boxed with history
10. Annular brooch
A decorative brooch used occasionally to join two pieces of material together
or simply as an ornament, both by men and women.
Annular brooch, cold enamelling, boxed with history
11. Tudor Thimble
The original was cast in silver and is of a very rare 16th century example.
Engraved around the base with the inscription ‘my hart is yours’.
Tudor Thimble, boxed with history.
12. 17th Century Thimble
It was quite fashionable in the reign of Charles II to present a favoured
lady with a personally inscribed thimble. Silver and brass thimbles were frequently
cast with a clear band for this purpose. This example bears two hearts. On
the band beneath one of them, a single word ‘ME’.
17th Century Thimble, boxed with history.
13. Tudor clothes fastening
Re-created in bronze from an original.
14 & 15 Buckles
Copies of 14th/15th century buckles, reproduced here in either brass or bronze.
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