Lot 355
A RARE MEDIEVAL LEAD SEAL OR BULLA OF POPE CLEMENT VI*
dating from 1342-1352 (contained in a protective card box with glass front and back) together with a brass snuff box commemorating Admiral Lord Nelson and his victories in battle, a small circular penwork box, a mauchline-ware needle case "ST VINCENT ROCKS, CLIFTON" and "View from the Suspension Bridge", and a French circular paper-maché box and cover "Le Loup dans la Bergerie; the bulla 1.5" (3.9cm) diameter; (5)
* Pope Clement VI (born Pierre Roger, 1291) was head of the Catholic Church from 7 May 1342 until his death in 1352. He reigned during the first visitation of the Black Death to Europe (1348-50) and although a third of his cardinals died, he survived the worst of the plague. He chose to stay in Avignon at this time and his survival may have been due in part to taking his doctors' advice, sitting between two huge fires, even in the heat of summer. He forbade the persecution of Jews and even welcomed and defended them, though they were accused of starting the plague.
