Sandstone cartridge with king´s head

[AHorsa]

Dear All,

can someone help with identifying this piece?
It seems that it was a piece of a wall the like. It is made from stone (sandstone?). Would be great if someone can estimate its age and maybe what it was used for.

Best regards
Andreas

[M ELEY]

That is a very interesting piece! Could it be the end of a wax stamper? That head looks like one someone posted recently, but I can't remember which item! It was a French king, if I remember right? Experts out there?

[AHorsa]

Thanks for the reply and the hint to the french king. I don´t think that it is a stamp. It´s too large. For me it seems like it is a piece from a wall or similar.
Any idea of dating?

Best regards
Andreas

[Roland_M]

Hi Andreas,

the crown of the king is a so called spike crown (german: Zackenkrone). This type of crown is typical for the Medieval and was firstly used in the 3. century by Roman kings.

I think your cartridge is from around the 10th century or earlier.


Best wishes,
Roland