Possible Mercenary Knight

CNG 97, Lot: 1055. Estimate $500. Sold for $575. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

MEDIEVAL FRANCE. 15th century. Brass Personal Seal. “Chessman” type. Circular seal with with high quatrefoil suspension loop. Face of the seal matrix depicts coat-of-arms (bendy of 11) left, surmounted by helmet with collared bear’s head crest; floral ornament flanking helmet; BЄRτRAn DЄ ChЄRAnSSЄS in band around. Dimensions: height 34mm; diameter of matrix face: 22.7mm; weight: 18.65 g. Cf. http://www.numisantica.com/index.php?item=medieval-brass-personal-seal&action=article&aid=2513&lang=EN#.U8gky4BdXwM (for type, but different seal matrix). As made, dark brown patina, trace of damage at highest point of seal matrix, trace of deposits in lowest parts of seal matrix. Reported to have been found in southern Eastern Europe.