13th-15th C. Horse Harness Tournament Pendants

[Matchlock]

These tiny cast- or hammered-copper items, though in many cases highly decorated, colorfully enameled and gilt and highly remarkable regarding their heraldic details, are often dug up from the soil but, on the other hand, are hardly ever paid attention to.

They also often bear religious inscriptions, mostly abbreviations.

In most cases they are rectangular or circular in shape, but there are also longitudinal, hexa- and octagonal and drop-shaped versions, so they obviously could literally take any shape.

Common to all of them are one or several eyelets for suspension.


Of course, their function was very similar to the modern business card: to identify their owner and keep him in mind, just like the coat-of-arms on the shield. We may safely assume that they were also exchanged at tournaments, and that friends of the owner (or maybe victorious opponents ... ) may have proudly added them to the decoration of their own horses.


The first pendant in the attachments once was in my collection.



Best,
Michael

[cornelistromp]

I love those pendants;
herewith a group of heraldic pendants and mounts probably for the horse of an English bishop circa 1250

top pendant and hanger shows the arms of Edward the confessor
blue enamel and remains of gilding
7cm overall, pendant 4,5cm

next large pendant has a saxon cross in a quatrefoil frame, the centre of the hanger has a fleur de lis against red enamel ground.
cross moves in frame and pendant moves on hanger.
8,5cm high with hanger , pendant 6.,2cm.
hanger is 10cm wide.

two strap mount surmounted against a saxon cross.each 4,8cm

a diamond shaped stud showing a bishops mitre, on a blue enamel ground.
last a mounted hook in the shape of mystical creature head (again?) with a fleur the lis in the centre, maybe for holding a sword.

best,

[cornelistromp]

Coat of arms of Gilbert de Clare 1243-1295, and one shield with a skinny Lion.

[Matchlock]

Let me go on with my attachments.

Please note that Peter Finer's item, besides enameling, features a gilt Gothic minusule a.


m

[Matchlock]

Two more details of the fine enameled and gilt specimen from Peter Finer's site.

[Matchlock]

One more 13th c. representation of a knight on horseback and ready for the joust.

Please note the horse pendants marked red.


m

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Matchlock

These tiny cast- or hammered-copper items, though in many cases highly decorated, colorfully enameled and gilt and highly remarkable regarding their heraldic details, are often dug up from the soil but, on the other hand, are hardly ever paid attention to.

They also often bear religious inscriptions, mostly abbreviations.

In most cases they are rectangular or circular in shape, but there are also longitudinal, hexa- and octagonal and drop-shaped versions, so they obviously could literally take any shape.

Common to all of them are one or several eyelets for suspension.


Of course, their function was very similar to the modern business card: to identify their owner and keep him in mind, just like the coat-of-arms on the shield. We may safely assume that they were also exchanged at tournaments, and that friends of the owner (or maybe victorious opponents ... ) may have proudly added them to the decoration of their own horses.


The first pendant in the attachments once was in my collection.



Best,
Michael

Salaams Matchlock,
Here is another thread that leaves me buzzing ! I have often read your work and gone away in amazement at your depth of knowledge. I immediately ploughed into Heraldry and all things medieval after this one. Your threads are so encouraging to beginners like me on European weapons and related artifacts. Thank you for this masterpiece, Sir !

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Matchlock]

Thank you so much, Ibrahiim,


It is responds like yours that really make my work worth while!

But there's no need to call me Sir or Matchlock, just call me Michael!


Best wishes,
Michael

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Matchlock

Thank you so much, Ibrahiim,


It is responds like yours that really make my work worth while!

But there's no need to call me Sir or Matchlock, just call me Michael!


Best wishes,
Michael

Salaams Michael, I wondered if you had seen the excavation result at http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index....-medieval-find

Here is a complete(almost) belt loaded with fine medals/pendants.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Matchlock]

Salaams, Ibrahiim,


And thank you again!!!

As the policy of our forum is to avoid links to other sites as they may not be there tomorrow (!), I spent more than one hour saving that priceless piece of information for all of us.
Enjoy now ...


Best,
Michael

[Matchlock]

P.S. I sure do hope that the fact will be approved that I sent them a link to this thread here.

Best,
Michael