Acorn Brooch

This elegant acorn brooch is copied after one found in London and dated to the late 15th century. Its original meaning is not certain. It may be a well-designed version of a popular motif in medieval jewelry and decorative art – and we certainly think it is one of the nicest acorn brooches we know.

If the original was heraldic, it may have been a livery badge for the Fitzalan Earls of Arundel. In the late 15th century, that meant William Fitzalan, the 9th earl, who supported the Lancastrians at least through the Battle of Ludford Bridge in 1459, but who switched over to the Yorkists sometime before the Second Battle of St. Albans in 1461. So, if you can’t decide which of the claimants to the English throne you support, this may be your badge!