Copper-alloy and gilt, 75 grams, 68.31 mm. 13th-15th century AD. A cast mount featuring the head and neck of the heraldic 'collared stag' device. The stag is modelled in the round with broad brow, priform ears, three-tine antlers and gently recessed mouth and nostrils. Along the edges of the ears and antlers, above the eyes and around the muzzle are bands of pointed decoration. Below the throat is a billeted band looped over the chest and shoulders. The surface retains much of its gilding except on the chest and muzzle. On the reverse of the casting is a square-section attachment peg. The small number of antler tines suggests that the animal may be a 'brocket' or young stag. Deer heads feature prominently in Norwegian heraldry, as well as elsewhere in Europe. The buck's head was used as a charge by some English families with deer-based surnames such as the Hartwells of Essex. Reference: Foster, J. The Dictionary of Heraldry, Feudal Coats of Arms and Pedigrees, reprinted London, 1989. Good very fine condition. Provenance: from an old English collection.