14th-15th century AD. A bronze mount of a sitting dog, the heraldic emblem of the Talbot family, the dog with a raised head and slit mouth, long curved tail resting against its back, wearing a thick collar; mounting spike below; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 79 grams total, 71mm including stand (2 3/4"). Property of a Cambridgeshire gentleman; previously in an old private European collection; accompanied by an old dealer's ticket including provenance and description. Lord John Talbot, the first Earl of Shrewsbury and a noted military commander, spent much of his career commanding Henry VI's troops in France. He was known as a cruel and tough man, being the most feared English captain in France. He met his heroic end at the Battle of Castillon by a French battle-axe, while being pinned down by his fatally wounded horse.