Stone Sculpture - Architectural Fragment - Sculpted Coat Of Arms - Heraldry - Capital

Late 17th century France – Normandy – Commune of Saint-James (Manche) Architectural fragment in sculpted limestone representing the coat of arms of the commune of Saint-James, whose arms are described as follows: "Gules, a gate argent flanked by two towers or, the one on the left higher than the other, accompanied by four scallops also argent, one in chief and three in base." The relief depicts a central fortified gate framed by two towers, surmounted in chief by a scallop shell and accompanied in base by three other shells. This iconography directly reflects the historical identity of Saint-James, a major stop on the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. The gate symbolizes passage, entry into the city, and protection, while the shells embody pilgrimage, travel, and the spiritual dimension of the place. The sculpture is executed in high relief, with the carving still clearly visible. The reverse side, entirely rough and irregular, confirms that this is a reused architectural fragment, probably from a lintel of a notable house, a door frame, or a public or institutional building linked to the municipality. The surface displays a homogeneous, aged patina, with blunted edges, losses along the edges, and traces of removal. This fragment now constitutes a direct, lapidary testimony to the urban and symbolic history of Saint-James. Condition: fragment with old losses, surface wear, old breaks, stable structure. Dimensions: Height: 12 cm Width: 11.5 cm Shipping: ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY.