Crusader Kingdom Jerusalem Bronze Starburst Rosette Applique 25mm c. 1100 AD COA For Sale

Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem Bronze Radiant Starburst Rosette Applique (25mm — c. 1100–1291 AD)

Authenticity & Guarantee

• Provenance: Ex-private European collection, legally acquired from international sales; Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem / Holy Land Archaeological Sphere.

Item Specifications & Exact Dimensions

• Object: Cast Bronze Decorative Rosette Applique / Knightly Belt & Harness Mount

• Culture / Period: Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem (Knights Templar & Hospitaller Era)

• Date Range: Circa 1100 AD – 1291 AD (c. 12th – 13th Century AD)

• Diameter: 25 mm

• Material: Cast Bronze (Copper Alloy)

• Form & Architecture: Circular convex plaque featuring a prominent 8-pointed radiant starburst / rosette in high relief; scalloped outer border filled with raised pellet-and-dot (beaded) accents; engineered with a repoussé hollow reverse for rivet mounting onto military belts, sword baldrics, or knightly horse trappings

• Condition: Exceptional, complete ancient condition. Crisp multi-pointed star and beaded border detail, complete circular perimeter, preserved under an authentic thick pale sandy-tan Jerusalem earthen burial encrustation over a solid dark charcoal-olive bronze core. Free of modern restoration or tooling.

Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem & Chivalric Metalwork

Following the capture of Jerusalem in 1099 AD and the establishment of the Crusader States, European knightly orders—including the Knights Templar and Knights Hospitaller—merged Western European heraldic traditions with Levantine bronze founding techniques. Ornate 25mm bronze rosettes were crafted in Jerusalem workshops to adorn the leather waist girdles, sword scabbards, and horse harnesses of crusader knights and garrison commanders.

Equestrian & Military Belt Mounting Mechanics

In the Crusader States, these radiant starburst rosettes served as both decorative badges and structural strap reinforcements. Riveted in repeated sequences along leather harness tack and military baldrics, the hollowed backing allowed the fittings to remain lightweight while providing heavy metallic protection against sword slashes across the wearer\'s gear.

Typological Analysis & Exact Classification

• Primary Class: Crusader Period Holy Land Artifact / Chivalric Belt & Harness Mount

• Sub-Class: Jerusalem 8-Pointed Starburst Rosette Applique with Beaded Rim

Comparable Archaeological Examples & Museum Accession Numbers

• Israel Museum, Jerusalem: Crusader Kingdom bronze rosette belt mounts recovered from Jerusalem Citadel and Acre excavation layers.

• British Museum (Accession No. 1856,0701.2185): Crusader Levantine bronze rosette applique from Holy Land garrisons.

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