Medieval Eagle Mount. 11th century A.D. A circular bronze mount comprising a flat ring enclosing an imperial Germanic eagle, stylised wings and tail with carved plumes rendered with incised lines; attachment stud to the reverse. Cf. Romisch-Germanischen Zentralmuseum Mainz (RGZM), Das Reich der Salier, 1024-1125, Sigmaringen, 1992, pp.118 and 127, vitrine B 8 and 10, vitrine 1, B32, p.265 vitrine 6.8, for similar eagle shapes on Imperial Germanic brooches of 11th century A.D. 47.5 grams, 75 mm wide (3 in.) German art market, 1990s. Mr A.H., a North American collector living in the UK. The Roman Imperial eagle was inherited as a symbol from the Germanic Empire of the Ottonian and Salian dynasties, and widely employed in jewellery, mounts, horse harness and so far. The Ottonian and Salian emperors depicted themselves with the Roman 'eagle sceptre', and Frederick II depicted the imperial eagle on his coins. However, before the mid 13th century, the eagle was an imperial symbol in its own right, not yet used as a heraldic charge depicted as part of a coat of arms.

Fine condition.