Interesting Medallion, of Unknown Origin

Jim McDougall · 23rd December 2012, 11:20 AM

Hi Dana,
I didn't mean to imply that this item was inappropiately posted here. What I meant was that observations or additions might be somewhat limited in view of the nature of the item here in the context of arms discussions. As I had mentioned often associated items can offer valuable clues in our research on arms, so it would seem that at times it can work conversely.

I really dont know offhand any specialists in heraldry, but note that you have found something online. I hope you will keep us posted on anything that turns up, as this remains a most interesting query.

I keep looking at the medallion and the image on the face seems almost like a skeletal figure mounted and holding something like an infant? The crowned king on the reverse is interesting and sometimes books on coins, in this case medieval probably, might show the types of crowns from various countries and kingdoms. The lettering in the surround seems to have the number 1000 along with letters which could be acrostic, often popular in these times on sword blade inscriptions..but then could be words as well.
Here more work on alphabets and the lettering style.

The figures at the top to me seem to be armored and the elements atop the helmets possibly the kind of achievement or decoration often seen on heraldic and funerary images of these. Sometimes these were plumed or actual devices such as birds or heraldic creatures in effigy were atop these helmets.

Again, an most interesting contribution here, and look forward to any findings as well as hopefully other views from readers.

All the best,
Jim

23rd December 2012, 11:20 AM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,295	Hi Dana, I didn't mean to imply that this item was inappropiately posted here. What I meant was that observations or additions might be somewhat limited in view of the nature of the item here in the context of arms discussions. As I had mentioned often associated items can offer valuable clues in our research on arms, so it would seem that at times it can work conversely. I really dont know offhand any specialists in heraldry, but note that you have found something online. I hope you will keep us posted on anything that turns up, as this remains a most interesting query. I keep looking at the medallion and the image on the face seems almost like a skeletal figure mounted and holding something like an infant? The crowned king on the reverse is interesting and sometimes books on coins, in this case medieval probably, might show the types of crowns from various countries and kingdoms. The lettering in the surround seems to have the number 1000 along with letters which could be acrostic, often popular in these times on sword blade inscriptions..but then could be words as well. Here more work on alphabets and the lettering style. The figures at the top to me seem to be armored and the elements atop the helmets possibly the kind of achievement or decoration often seen on heraldic and funerary images of these. Sometimes these were plumed or actual devices such as birds or heraldic creatures in effigy were atop these helmets. Again, an most interesting contribution here, and look forward to any findings as well as hopefully other views from readers. All the best, Jim