STAFF

A complete Medieval Limoges-style enamelled and gilded copper-alloy object, possibly a processional cross staff terminal or an altar piece . The object is generally pentagonal; the top is surmounted by an orb, diameter 10.2mm, with a plain cross above which is flat on both faces. The sides flare evenly outwards and downwards from the orb to almost mid-way down its length, for a distance of about 35.0mm. From this point downwards the sides are almost vertical, and measure c. 37.5mm in length (they taper very slightly). The bottom is horizontal, with a width of 29.2mm.

At the rear, the upper triangular part forms a socket; close to the bottom of this rear of this socketed part is an engraved off-centre saltire cross. The lower rear (open) part has flanged sides which taper in width when viewed from the side; at the top the width is 8.1mm and at the bottom it is 5.4mm.

The front face is slightly convex and decorated with an engraved draped, winged and nimbed figure which is possibly the symbol of St. Matthew (a winged man or angel). The gilded standing figure is facing forwards and has wings pointing towards the apex; it is centrally placed on a field of blue enamel. Its head is surrounded by a nimbus of red enamel enclosed by a border of white enamel. The figure is emerging from clouds represented by areas of red, white and blue enamel with some gilding. Close to the bottom of the object is a slightly off-centre circular hole with a diameter of 4.1mm which cuts through the robe of the winged figure.

The sides, the orb and cross and the rear face of the socket are gilded. At the rear, the lower flanged part and the inner part of the socket have a coarse surface and are corroded.

It measures 99.1 x 31.7 x 11.5mm. Weight: 52.06g.

High-quality enamelled products were produced in Limoges, France during the late 12th and 13th centuries (c. 1150-c. 1300).