Beschreibung:

MEDIEVAL HERALDIC 'FERRERS FAMILY' HORSE-HARNESS PENDANT 13th-14th century AD A bronze harness pendant comprising a heater-shield with suspension lug and hinge, attachment spike to the reverse; the shield with reserved vair ancien and red enamel, blazoned 'vairy or and gules', the arms of the Ferrers family, Earls of Derby. 10 grams, 54mm (2 1/4"). Fine condition. [No Reserve] Provenance Found Suffolk, UK. Literature Cf. Ashley, S. Medieval Armorial Horse Furniture in Norfolk, East Anglian Archaeology 101, Dereham, 2002, item 98. Footnotes The Ferrers (de Ferrières) family were supporters of Duke William during the Norman invasion and acquired estates in the West Midlands. Robert Ferrers was the first of the line to be appointed Earl of Derby by King Stephen in circa 1138. Subsequent generations held the title until Robert de Ferrers, 6th Earl of Derby (1239–1279) forfeited both title and lands due to taking part of the rebellion of Simon de Montfort and subsequent unrest.