Dunstable Swan brooch
Brooch in the shape of a swan from around 1400, gilded brass coated in white enamel.
The emblem of the swan was very popular among nobles eager to demonstrate their descent from the Swan Knight of courtly romance. The most notable English family of the fourteenth century to use this symbol was that of De Bohun. The swan was adopted by the house of Lancaster when Henry of Lancaster married Mary de Bohun in 1380. When Henry became King Henry IV in 1399 the swan badge became associated with the Prince of Wales.
The original is in the British museum. 3.5cm x 3cm approx.
Medieval Heart brooch
Copy of a Medieval heart shaped brooch from the V & A collection in London dating from 1400.
This heart-shaped brooch with its romantic inscription was given as a token of love. It would have been used to fasten a tunic, gown or cloak. The front is in high relief and there is an inscription engraved on the reverse in French, 'Ourselves and all things at your whim' ('Nostre et tout ditz a vostre desier').
3.9cm x 3cm