Possible Richard I artifacts

[hvhart]

These medieval brass objects were bought recently in the US. The first is a Richard I (lionheart) horse brass (about 2 1/2" x 3 1/2") with inscription (in Latin) that matches his seal (allowing for abbreviation and melt over). "Richard, Duke of Normans and Aquitanians and Count of Angevins" The second is a cork screw made from a brass key (comes in half) with the Norman two lion coat of arms and a period cross patonce on the reverse (about 4" long). Has anybody seen objects like these? I'm trying to find out if they are original artifacts or replicas.

 

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[trikikiwi]

I think I can safely say - they do not carry much age, although they are pretty cool.

Edit: Here's some dating info on the key/cork-screw
" Key corkscrews have been manufactured since
the 1920's. However, the vast majority that
surface have their origins in Germany & date from
the 1950's or later."
http://www.corkscrewcollecting.com/key_corkscrews.html

 

[Ant]

The first item pictured looks like a leather strap watch fob.

 

[ARC]

Replicas.

 

[hvhart]

I have no doubt that the key may have been converted to the corkscrew LATER.

 

[hvhart]

It's too large and heavy for that. Thanks.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Can you show us the backside of the medallion/crown cap lifter?

It looks like a mash-up of the King John (left, below) and King Richard I (right below) royal seals.

My guess is a souvenir bar set from the 1960's.

 

[sutphin]

NICE FINDS AND WELCOME NEW MEMBER TO TNET.

 

[cw0909]

maybe souvenirs from a medieval faire
ive never seen a key corkscrew, but have seen similar key fob
at the great lakes medieval faire

 

[oldsoapy]

the first one looks like a regular horse brass, see link Hutch.
Collecting Horse Brasses - A history of Horse Brasses

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Can't be Richard the III . . . because he didn't have a horse.

 

[CRUSADER]

Replicas.

To be a replica they actually have to copy something, these are pure fantasy.

 

[hvhart]

Replicas

Many thanks to all who responded here. The first object is a bottle opener (tested and has appropriate wear marks) with a copy of one of the seals of Richard I, including worn off areas around the perimeter(see attached photo). Since there is no reverse side image, it could not have been an original seal. After searching thousands of horse brasses, I found none even similar in theme and style - though the top latch does resemble some. Elemental analysis presented a conundrum: too much zinc to be pre-1800, too much tin and lead to be typically modern. Could have been made of scrap metals. The corkscrew is likely part of a set. The lions and Maltese cross are typical of 12th century, but most likely a copy. Keys which pull apart are common motifs for vintage cork screws. Cork screws are a 17th Century invention, but this one is likely 20th Century. No "pure fantasy" as suggested by ARRC, but replicas (though imperfect) of real historical objects.

 

[vhs07]

Thanks for the update.

 

[sutphin]

NEET FINDS.