This is the sword pommel of Pierre de Dreux (1187-1250). Pierre was born into a relatively modest noble family in France who originally planned for him to join the clergy. However, as a cousin to the French king, it was decided that Pierre should marry Alix, the Duchess of Brittany. This immediately bolstered his title to Duke of Brittany and placed Pierre in an important political position. Pierre's pommel was made around 1240 or a little later; it was constructed in preparation for the Pierre's journey on the Seventh Crusade which he would embark upon in 1248. 

The Seventh Crusade lasted from 1248 to 1254 and was launched by King Louis IX of France. (King Louis IX was also the probable patron of the Morgan Crusader Bible, which you can learn more about on this page and this page). The Seventh Crusade aimed to capture the Holy Land by first conquering Egypt, the crux of Muslim power in the region. King Louis IX believed that once Egypt fell, he would be able to easily capture Jerusalem, since it would no longer be supported by Muslim forces from Egypt. Initially, King Louis enjoyed some battlefield success, however, these victories were short lived. By the early 1250s, King Louis was taken captive and most of his army was defeated. Pierre de Dreux suffered a similar fate and was taken captive by his Muslim adversaries. Louis IX was eventually ransomed and remained in the Holy Land for some time to formulate treaties. Pierre de Dreux was also ransomed but died during his journey back to France.

A sword pommel is the knob on the hilt of a sword. It assists a warrior with sword balance in battle, and it also serves a decorative purpose. 

One side of the pommel showcases Pierre’s family coat of arms, which includes the heraldry of his family (de Dreux) as well as that of Brittany, a title he obtained through his marriage to his wife Alix, the Duchess of Brittany. The other side of the pommel displays a large red cross, symbolizing the wielder's commitment to the crusader cause. This side also features vines used to symbolize the life and vitality of the cross.

Despite the militaristic nature of the crusades, few weapons known to have been used by specific individuals in specific crusades exist. The sword pommel of Pierre de Dreux is a significant historical witness to the actual experience of crusading.