Three members of that family died in the Wars of the Roses in their support of the Lancastrian cause. The dragon, or wyvern, features as a supporter in their arms.
It was offered for sale at TimeLine Auctions (24% buyer’s premium) in London on December 6 as the property of a Middlesex gentleman who had acquired it from a Wellingborough collector in the 1970s.
In excellent condition, save the loss of the enamel which may have shown if this dragon was a Yorkist (white) or a Lancastrian (red), it sold at £21,500 (estimate £10,000-14,000). It was accompanied by a positive metal analysis certificate.
