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Ancient Crusader / Medieval Knightly Cast Bronze Scalloped Heraldic Horse Harness Pendant (32mm — c. 12th–14th Century AD)
Authenticity & Guarantee
Certification: Certified Authentic — includes signed Certificate of Authenticity (COA) with full provenance documentation.
Provenance: Ex-private European collection, legally acquired from international sales; Crusader Levantine / Medieval European Knightly Sphere.
Item Specifications & Exact Dimensions
Object: Cast Bronze Heraldic Horse Harness Pendant / Equestrian Strap Fitting
Culture / Period: Crusader Era / High Middle Ages (Levantine Crusader States / Medieval Knightly Sphere)
Date Range: Circa 12th Century AD – 14th Century AD (c. 1100 – 1300 AD)
Exact Dimensions: 32 mm height (3.2 cm) × 18 mm maximum width
Material: Cast Bronze (Copper Alloy)
Form & Architecture: Classic heraldic teardrop pendant profile engineered with an engrailed/scalloped perimeter rim; obverse displays a high-relief central teardrop boss enclosed within raised concentric borders; surmounted by a molded knopped suspension terminal for attaching to leather horse tack; flat, smooth reverse face
Condition: Exceptional, 100% complete ancient condition. Intact structural suspension head, sharp scalloped border, covered under an authentic golden-olive bronze patina with light sandy-tan calcareous burial encrustations. Free of modern restoration or tooling.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT & TYPOLOGICAL LORE
Crusader Cavalry & Equestrian Harness Trappings
In High Medieval military culture and across the Frankish Crusader States in the Levant, the warhorse (destrier) was an extension of the knight\'s prestige and military prowess. Cavalry tack was heavily embellished with cast bronze harness pendants suspended from breastcollars, bridles, and martingales. These pendants glinted in motion during battle and processions, providing visual flair while serving as heraldic identifiers.
Heraldic Shield Forms & Engrailed Borders
The teardrop shape combined with a scalloped (engrailed) outer border reflects formal 12th–13th-century heraldic design. Central teardrop bosses modeled after stylized drop-shields (kite shields) were popular among Crusader knights and European military orders (Templars and Hospitallers), symbolizing divine protection and knightly virtue.
Typological Analysis & Exact Classification
Primary Class: Medieval Military & Equestrian Equipment / Harness Pendant
Sub-Class: Teardrop Heraldic Pendant Class with Scalloped Outer Rim
Manufacturing Technique: Two-piece lost-wax cast copper alloy with hand-finished rim scallops and relief bossing.
Comparable Archaeological Examples & Museum Accession Numbers
British Museum (Accession No. 1856,0701.2215): Medieval bronze heraldic horse harness pendant with scalloped border.
Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS ID: NMGW-D3B12A): 12th–13th century bronze teardrop harness pendant with central raised relief.
Israel Museum, Jerusalem: Crusader period bronze equestrian pendants recovered from Holy Land fortress excavations (Acre and Montfort).
TRN-1-7
