c.1260-1300 AD. A substantial bronze weight for e with a steelyard balance with lead core, spherical in form with pierced flange for spension above and hatched band to the shoulder; three heater shields with raised heraldic arms spaced equally around the body, etched geometric band of chevrons above. Cf. Saunders, Peter and Eleanor, Salisbury & South Wiltshire Meum Medieval Catalogue, Part 1, SSWM, 1991, p.48, item 1, for an example displaying the same heraldry; cf. Ward Perkins, J. B., Medieval Catalogue, London Meum Catalogues 7, 1940, p.173, item A2487, pl.XXXVIII, 2, for another example. 379 grams, 54mm high (2"). Found South of England, UK. Property of an Essex gentleman. These heraldic steelyard weights were made under the official sanction of Richard (son of King Henry III) or Edmund, Duke of Cornwall on behalf of the King; Edmund died in 1300 AD and such weights were banned in 1350 so that this example would most likely to be of the period 1260-1300 AD; the Hanseatic League was created in Germany to protect the interests and privileges of merchants in the medieval period, starting in Europe and with influence spreading to England from the 13th century.