Large Medieval Bronze Knight's Heraldic Seal Matrix of Count Robert in Full Armour
Circa 15th century A.D.. Featuring a large circular die face and hexagonal stem, with collars and pierced quatrefoil handle, incised orientation star to edge; the die bearing a knightly device of a helmet with chaplet on canted shield of arms bearing three bull's heads cabossed and chevron with surrounding ' LE * S * ROBERTI * LE CONTES' legend.
38.9 grams, 34 mm (1 3/8 in.).
Found near Stoke Ferry, Norfolk, circa 2008.This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11901-204414. 'Sigillum Roberti le Contes ' is 'seal of Count Robert'. Three bulls' heads appear on the arms of the Beverley family. The chaplet or 'cap of maintenance' is a stylised fur-lined cap which appears in the heraldry of leading families; the helm of the Black Prince in Canterbury Cathedral is made with a chaplet and a lion standing on the rim.