Decorative Bronze Mount in the Shape of a Cockerel, 16th century

The little mount shaped like a cock shows no obvious means of attachment but could have been sewn onto clothing or a hat; a similar bronze mount shaped like a swan was found in London. Animals were popular in decorative art at all periods in England, but the cock could also be a symbol signifying St Peter.

© 1998 Oxfordshire Museum Service, Setúbal Museums and the Benaki Museum