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Click here to subscribeBronze Age Socketted Axehead 2nd millennium BC. A substantial tubular body with thickened rim to the mouth, flared blade with slight bevel; hammered 'rain pattern' decoration to one flat face. 151 grams, 90mm (3 1/2"). Property of a German collector; acquired in the 1990s. Fine condition; casting flaw to side.
Bronze Age Bronze Pierced Sickle 2nd millennium BC. A cast sickle blade with raised rear border to the upper surface, plain reverse; two circular holes for attachment at the broad end. 120 grams, 21cm (8 1/4"). From an old Munich collection; acquired on the German art market before 2000. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
Bronze Age Decorated Socketted Chisel 1200-800 BC. A narrow cast chisel or gouge with c-shaped square cutting edge, flared tubular socket, ribbed mouth, Y-shaped rib to the upper face; casting seams to the sides. 72 grams, 90mm (3 1/2"). From an old Munich collection; acquired on the German art market before 2000. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
Iron Age Celtic Enamelled Bronze 'Dragonesque' Fastener 1st century BC-2nd century AD. A substantial comma-leaf fastener with openwork disc, short shank and voided triangular plaque; the disc with central S-scroll element, yellow enamel fill with two red-filled roundels and three leaf-shaped panels; the ring with yellow enamel and four red-filled D-shaped panels. 37 grams, 51mm (2"). Found near Wetwang, Yorkshire, UK. Cf. MacGregor, M. Early Celtic Art in North Britain, vol.2, Leicester, 1976, item 7.14. Very fine condition. Museum quality.
Bronze Age British 'Sompting' Type Looped and Socketted Axehead 800-700 BC. A substantial cast socketted axehead with ribbed collar to the mouth, flared blade with convex cutting edge and hammer facets; thick lateral loop. 524 grams, 14.5cm (5 3/4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired TimeLine Auctions, lot 300, 14 March 2013; ex Mike Nellist Collection, acquired Bonham's sale, lot 157, 28 October 2004; formerly Robert Stephen Murray Collection and Roger Box (1983); found North Somerset, prior to 1980. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland, London, 1881, item 116; Moore, C.N. & Rowlands, M. Bronze Age Metalwork in Salisbury Museum, Salisbury, 1972, item 42; Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C.B. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England, Prähistorische Bronzefunde, Ab. IX, vol. 7, Munich, 1981, item 1579. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Extremely fine condition. Very rare.
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Parisian Dragonesque Brooch 1st-2nd century AD. A cast flat-section dragonesque brooch of Parisian style with s-shaped body and lobe finials; panels of champ-levé enamel to the body and lobed head, collar to the neck where the pin was attached. 8.83 grams, 46mm (1 3/4"). Found East Yorkshire, UK. Cf. Hattatt, R. Ancient and Romano-British Brooches, Sherborne, 1982, item 155. Fine condition.
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Dragonesque Brooch 1st-2nd century AD. A D-section cast miniature brooch with s-shaped body, scaphoid head joined at the chin and similar tail; enamel cabochon to the tail; the body with a broad panel of hatched ornament. 3.31 grams, 30mm (1 1/4"). Found County Durham, UK. Fine condition.
Iron Age Bronze La Tène Brooch 4th-3rd century BC. A La Tène I fibula with thickened bow, integral spring and pin, s-curved tail with conical knop. 5.90 grams, 34mm (1 1/2"). From an important London collection, acquired in the 1970s. Cf. Hattatt, R. Ancient and Romano-British Brooches, Sherborne, 1982, item 2. Very fine condition.
Iron Age Celtic Enamelled Bronze Fastener 1st century BC-1st century AD. A cast fastener comprising a flat-section plaque, right-angled arm to the reverse with pierced lobe; the plaque a vertical bar with champ-levé La Tène leaf motifs with blue infill, three triangular bars and roundel finials with similar fill. 11 grams, 40mm (1 3/4"). Found Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, UK, in the late 1980s. Very fine condition.
Bronze Age British 'Yorkshire' Type Socketted Axehead 950-800 BC. A socketted axehead with bulbous collar, three raised ribs on each face extending to the blade; flared blade with slightly convex cutting edge, sturdy lateral loop. 282 grams, 10.5cm (4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired privately, 2007; ex Christopher Wren Collection; found Kent, UK, before 1990. Cf. Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C.B. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England, Prähistorische Bronzefunde, Ab. IX, vol. 7, Munich, 1981, p.223-239. Sir Richard Ground notes that the lower blade shows extensive evidence of hammering, perhaps connected with sharpening the edge. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Fine condition, edge slightly chipped from use.
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Enamelled Horse Bridle Terminal 2nd-1st century BC. A cast bronze discoid mount with three trumpet-shaped voids around a central boss, red enamel cells; to the reverse a balustered spigot, bulb and ring. 35 grams, 36 mm (1 1/4"). Found Sedgeford, Norfolk, UK. Fine condition.
Iron Age Enamelled Bronze Horse Harness Pendant 1st century BC-2nd century AD. A pendant comprising two discs each with three radiating lobes, red enamel infill, connected by voided triangular arms to a thick suspension loop. 2.84 grams, 37mm (1 1/2"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the 1990s. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
Iron Age Enamelled Bronze Horse Harness Pendant 1st century BC-2nd century AD. A pendant comprising two discs with three radiating lobes, red and yellow enamel infill, connected by a red enamelled triangular plaque to a thick suspension loop. 5.96 grams, 34mm (1 1/2"). Private collection, UK; formed in the 1980s. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Grooming Implement 2nd century BC-1st century AD. A cast nail-cleaner formed as a serpent with scrolled and looped rectangular-section body, trapezoidal tapering head. 6.63 grams, 51mm (2"). Property of a lady; by gift; found Northamptonshire, 1980s-1990s. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
Bronze Age British Ornamented 'Welby' Type Looped and Socketted Axehead 800-700 BC. A socketted axe with broad collar to the mouth, circumferential band, short blade with crescentic edge, lateral loop; each of the broad faces with a series of short parallel vertical strokes beneath the band; vertical internal ribs; convex cutting edge. 268 grams, 10.5cm (4 1/4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired TimeLine Originals, 2007; previously with Valued History; ex Whitehead Collection; found Yorkshire, UK. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland, London, 1881, item 130; Moore, C.N. & Rowlands, M. Bronze Age Metalwork in Salisbury Museum, Salisbury, 1972, item 51; Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C.B. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England, Prähistorische Bronzefunde, Ab. IX, vol. 7, Munich, 1981, item 1335-54, 1637. Sir Richard Ground notes I think this is earlier rather than later, because of the simple southeastern type collar rather than the biconical collar of Sompting axes and their variants so am plumping for type Welby ... but it could be the later Sompting variant 'Roseberry Topping' which has multiple descending ribs and a simpler collar. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Fine condition; edge slightly chipped from use.
Bronze Age British 'Wilburton' Type Looped and Socketted Axehead 1140-1020 BC. A small socketted axehead of unusual form with slight flare to the blade, stepped transition to the socket with inset lateral elliptical panels, ribbed mouth and single small side loop, slightly convex cutting edge and pronounced casting seam. 109 grams, 9.5cm (3 3/4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired privately, 2011; found Benson, Berkshire, UK (PAS reference BERK-79C218"). Cf. Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C.B. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England, Prähistorische Bronzefunde, Ab. IX, vol. 7, Munich, 1981, p.178. Recorded with Portable Antiquities Scheme, reference number PAS BERK-79C218. Sir Richard Ground notes a slight hammered bevel of blade facet. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Fine condition; blade edge slightly chipped.
Byzantine Enamelled Bronze Cross Pendant Group 8th-12th century AD. A mixed group of cruciform pendants comprising: one with central discoid cell and reserved cross to one face, ring to the reverse, four discoid cells for arms, yellow enamel fill; one similar with extended trapezoidal arms, flanking pellets to the terminals. 8.45 grams total, 32-35mm (1.25"). Private collection, UK; formed in the 1980s. [2, No Reserve] Fine condition.
Bronze Age British 'South Eastern' Type Looped and Socketted Axehead 1000-800 BC. A small socketted axehead with narrow collar, flared blade with almost straight cutting edge; thick lateral loop; remains of casting sprues to the mouth. 219 grams, 92mm (3 3/4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired privately, 2006; found Duxford, Cambridgeshire, 2005. Cf. Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C.B. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England, Prähistorische Bronzefunde, Ab. IX, vol. 7, Munich, 1981, p.212. Recorded with Portable Antiquities Scheme, reference number NCL-A9DD83. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
Medieval Bronze Gothic Screen Fragment with Angel 16th century AD. A fragment of a Spanish ecclesiastical rood screen formed as a bifacial winged angel standing on an arch, one foot on a disc with cruciform void to the centre, loop in the left hand, right arm extended to the rear. 53 grams, 10cm (4"). Property of a Middlesex gentleman; acquired in the 1980s. [No Reserve] Fine condition; base distorted.
Roman Bronze Oil Lamp with Cross 1st century AD. A cast piriform lamp with broad nozzle, ovoid base, discus with conical hinged lid pierced in four places; reflector to the rear in the form of an expanding-arm cross. 241 grams, 12.5cm (5"). Ex Harvey collection; acquired by the owners father during the 2nd World War in Palestine. Fine condition; crack to bowl.
Western Asiatic Bronze Chariot Hunter Mid 3rd millennium BC. A diorama on a rectangular framework base comprising: two stationary horses with halters attached to a round-section balustered yoke; a two-wheeled hunting chariot with stepped axle-tree and linch-pins to the solid wheels; a kilted hunter standing bare-chested and bearded holding the reins (part absent), with a slaughtered animal across the frame before him, game-bag behind to his left and quiver with arrows to his right; to the rear, a small hunting dog riding on the chariot's beam. 692 grams, 18.5cm (7 1/4"). Ex Auction FR, Paris, 17 December 2008, Lot 83; formerly in an important North London collection formed before 1980. See Frankfort, H. The Art and Architecture of the Ancient Orient, Middlesex, 1954. The horse was first domesticated on the Eurasian steppe, its original habitat, perhaps as early as the 4th millennium BC; it may have been bred as a food source initially, but its use as a traction animal had begun by the beginning of the 2nd millennium BC, replacing the ox for this purpose. Wheeled vehicles had already appeared in the 3rd millennium BC, but the spoked wheel is not evidenced until the late 2nd millennium BC. The earliest known physical remains of chariots are in the chariot burials of the Andronovo Culture, an Indo-Iranian population in the area of modern Russia and Kazakhstan dating to around 2000 BC. The combination of multiple horses and light-framed two-wheeled vehicles offered the possibility of travel at speed, both for war and for hunting. Chariot warfare originated with the Hittites, with the invention of spoked wheels around 1900 BC. Depictions of hunting in a chariot appear in Egypt after the vehicle's introduction by the Hyksos in the 16th century BC, notably at Abu Simbel where the Battle of Kadesh fought in 1274 BC is represented, showing Ramses II fighting from a chariot with two archers accompanying him. See similar example made from gold that forms part of the Oxus Treasure now in the British museum. Very fine condition. Very rare. Accompanied by an Art Loss Register certificate.
Bronze Age British 'South Eastern' Type Looped and Socketted Axehead 1000-800 BC. A short socketted axehead with wide mouth, thick collar, convex cutting edge, thick lateral loop; vertical ribs to the inner face. 209 grams, 91mm (3 3/4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired John Cummings, Lincolnshire, UK, 30 December 1996 (reference A263); found East Anglia, UK. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland, London, 1881, item 116; Moore, C.N. & Rowlands, M. Bronze Age Metalwork in Salisbury Museum, Salisbury, 1972, item 44; Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C.B. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England, Prähistorische Bronzefunde, Ab. IX, vol. 7, Munich, 1981, 1267-94. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
Bronze Age British Ornamented Looped and Socketted Axehead 800-700 BC. A substantial cast axehead with large bulbous collar, panel to each face with raised ribs denoting flanges (harking back to earlier types), short blade with slightly convex cutting edge; sturdy lateral loop. 316 grams, 12cm (4 3/4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired Vickery Antiquities Shop, UK. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland, London, 1881, items 130, 144; Moore, C.N. & Rowlands, M. Bronze Age Metalwork in Salisbury Museum, Salisbury, 1972, item 48; Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C.B. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England, Prähistorische Bronzefunde, Ab. IX, vol. 7, Munich, 1981, item 1592. Sir Richard Ground notes that 'Schmidt and Burgess thought that [the axe's] 'winged' decoration must mean that such pieces were early and preserved a memory of the indented form, but everything else points to this being a late piece'; on this basis, he allocated it to the Sompting Type. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
Bronze Age British Ewart Park Type Sword 800-700 BC. Two halves of a large Ewart Park sword with long, slightly waisted blade without shoulder flanges, pronounced ricasso notches, four rivet holes and two rivets in situ; white inked collector's accession mark 'Thames at Cliveden Deep, SU 197, Nr. Cookham, Berks'; old red sticker with '216'. 829 grams, 51cm overall (20"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired Bonhams, sale 18817, lot 226 (part); ex Robert Stephen Murray Collection; found River Thames, Cliveden Deep, Berkshire. Cf. Burgess, C. & Colquhoun, I. The Swords of Britain, Prähistorische Bronzefunde, Ab. IV, vol.5, Munich, 1988, p.55. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Fine condition; deliberately broken in antiquity, tip of hilt absent.
Bronze Age British Looped and Socketted Axehead 4th-3rd century BC. A very light axehead with facetted body, bulbous socket, flared blade with almost straight cutting edge and radiating lines ending in pellets to each flat face; small loop to one side below the mouth. 102 grams, 10cm (4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired Lodge Antiquities, Lincolnshire, UK, 2006. Cf. Sompting axes with similar decoration in Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C.B. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England, Prähistorische Bronzefunde, Ab. IX, vol. 7, Munich, 1981, p.241-4. Sir Richard Ground notes that such axeheads were 'probably too brittle for practical use and are, therefore, likely to have had either a ritual or monetary function, or of course both.' Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
Western Asiatic Elamite Bronze Ram Statuette 2nd millennium BC. A cast ram figurine, standing with head erect. 171 grams, 11cm (4 1/4"). Property of a North London collector; acquired in the 1970s. Supplied with French Certificat d' Exportation pour un bien culturel no.119601. Very fine condition.
Bronze Age Looped and Socketted Axehead 2nd millennium BC. A slender, possibly European origin, axehead with square socket, collar to the mouth, incised vertical lines to the broad faces, shallow step to the body, flared and convex cutting edge, small eccentric side loop. 194 grams, 11.5cm (4 1/2"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
Western Asiatic Luristan Bronze Zoomorphic Harness Fitting 1000-650 BC. A cast mount with four rings formed as conjoined spirals; above, a model horse with ropework ring to its back, sockets to the eyes, tail extended to the base. 29 grams, 36mm (1 1/2"). From a central London collection formed between 1990-2000. Cf. Moorey, P.R.S. et al Ancient Bronzes, Ceramics and Seals, Los Angeles, 1981, item 182. Fine condition.
Western Asiatic Luristan Bronze Master of Animals Sceptre 1250-650 BC. A Bronze Age sceptre finial comprising a tubular bulb with ribbed collar, narrow columnar shaft surmounted by a bifacial Master of Animals figurine formed as two sheep or canines on hindlegs flanking a stylised human mask with second mask above; supplied with a custom-made stand. 343 grams, 37cm including stand (14 1/2"). Property of a Surrey gentleman; acquired on the English art market prior to 1980. Cf. Godard, F. The Art of Iran, London, 1965, fig. 19. Fine condition.
Western Asiatic Luristan Bronze Master of Animals Sceptre Head 1250-600 BC. A cast 'master of animals' sceptre head with openwork column of animal and bird heads and limbs; ferrule with balustered stem and discoid base; mounted on a custom-made stand. 522 grams, 39cm (15 1/4"). Property of a North London collector; acquired in the 1970s. Cf. Godard, A. The Art of Iran, London, 1965, plate 19. Fine condition.
Western Asiatic Elamite Bronze Axehead 1250-600 BC. A cast axehead with beast-head detail to the socket, curved lines to each face, flange to the upper face. 332 grams, 15.5cm (6"). Property of a North London collector; acquired in the 1970s. Cf. Godard, F. The Art of Iran, London, 1965, fig.81, which argues for an Elamite origin for the type, that is also found in Luristan. Extremely fine condition.
Western Asiatic Elamite Bronze Comb-Backed Axehead 1350-1000 BC. A cast tubular socket with four moulded ribs projecting to the rear to form conical spikes; thin blade with reinforced edges, swept profile. 281 grams, 22cm (8 3/4"). Property of a North London collector; acquired in the 1970s. Cf. Moorey, P.R.S. et al Ancient Bronzes, Ceramics and Seals, Los Angeles, 1981, items 34, 36. Extremely fine condition.
Bronze Age Ornamented Looped and Socketted Axehead 2nd millennium BC. A small European axehead with scooped socket, facetted mouth with three parallel ribs below, slightly convex cutting edge; the loop connected perpendicular to an extension of the mouth. 127 grams, 76mm (3"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired privately, 2006; believed Hungarian in origin. Sir Richard Ground notes ...it is pretty and interesting with definite signs of sharpening on the blade. It also illustrates the classic difference between European and British pieces, with the loop connecting to the collar, while British pieces rarely have this, the loop usually connecting further down. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
Bronze Age British Socketted Chisel 950-750 BC. A cast chisel comprising tubular socket with collar to the mouth, circumferential band of raised pellets, rectangular section blade with flared, slightly concave, edge. 156 grams, 14.5cm (5 3/4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired privately, 2008; reportedly found Somerset, UK, 1978. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland, London, 1881, item 200. Sir Richard Ground notes that 'the biconical collar argues for a late date contemporary with Sompting axes in the Lyn Fawr period.' Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
Western Asiatic Sargonid Haemetite Cylinder Seal with Robed Figures Neo-Assyrian, 722-612 BC. A carved cylinder seal with two standing robed figures flanking a column, ibexes and other animals in the field; bronze axle to the centre with one pierced projecting stub. 37 grams, 45mm (1 3/4"). Ex. Harvey collection; collected by the owner's father during 2nd World War in Palestine. Fine condition.
Bronze Age British Socketted Gouge Neolithic, 1000-650 BC. A cast gouge with collar to the socket mouth, scoop extending as a shallow chevron to the collar and convex cutting edge. 66 grams, 93mm (3 3/4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired privately, 2007; formerly Christopher Wren Collection; found Kent 1998. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland, London, 1881, item 204. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
Western Asiatic Proto-Byblian Carnelian Scarab Seal 2nd millennium BC. A carved carnelian seal with five geometric signs accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: ’Carnelian scarab, 14 x 5 mm. The engraved surface, the base, has on it a star and four linear symbols. The star probably marks the beginning of the signs, and the other four linear symbols are to be attributed to the so-called Proto-Byblian script. Three (.), (.), (.), are well known in that script, the fourth,(.), is not so far attested. The proto-Byblian script is known from ten stone and bronze objects, all excavated at Byblos, and dating to the second half of the second millennium B.C. They have been published by M. Dunand in his Biblia Grammatica (Beirut, 1945"). So far there has been no successful decipherment, but from the total number of different signs, said by Dunand to be 114, it is clearly not an alphabet, but probably a syllabary.’ 1.02 grams, 13mm (1/2"). Property of a North London collector; acquired in the 1970s. This lot is part of a single collection of cylinder seals which were examined by the late Professor Lambert in the 1980s and many are accompanied by Professor Lambert’s own detailed notes; the collection has recently been reviewed by Dr. Ronald Bonewitz. It is accompanied by a museum-quality impression of the seal’s design. The Byblos script is now considered by some scholars to derive from Old Kingdom hieratic script, rather than from hieroglyphic script. The most recent attempt at decipherment and translation is that of the Dutch scholar Jan Best, who published his results in Breaking the Code of the Byblos Script, in Ugarit-Forschungen vol.40 (2009"). The signs identified by Professor Lambert are now denoted by the Dunand code numbers D4, E13, C2. The unattested sign appears to be a variant of a known sign, perhaps F1, B12 or B13. Fine condition.
Stone Age British Flint 'Thames Pick' Mesolithic, 12000-6000 BC. A knapped brown patinated flint axe or pick of classic triangular section with convex cutting edge; inked text 'River Thames, below Maidenhead Court, Berks 1971 SU906835' and collector's sticker marked ' 64'. 246 grams, 12.5cm (5"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired Bonham's, sale 18817, lot 226 (part), 13 April 2011; ex Robert Stephen Murray Collection; found river Thames, Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK, 1971 (O.S. Ref: SU 906835"). See Palmer, Susan, Mesolithic Cultures of Britain, p.88. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
Stone Age British Thames Flint Axe Mesolithic, 12000-6000 BC. A finely knapped grey patinated flint (with some cortex remaining to butt) axe or pick of roughly triangular section with convex cutting edge; inked text 'River Thames, below Maidenhead Court, Berks 1971 SU906835', collector's sticker marked ' 67' and pencilled 'T' in circle. 388 grams, 17.5cm (7"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired Bonham's, sale 18817, lot 226 (part), 13 April 2011; ex Robert Stephen Murray Collection; found river Thames, Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK, 1971 (O.S. Ref: SU 906835"). See Palmer, Susan, Mesolithic Cultures of Britain, p.109. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
Stone Age British Neolithic Knapped Flint Axe 6000-3000 BC. A substantial flaked axe of fine workmanship in rich black flint, having ovoid section with convex cutting edge, butt with ancient chip; inked notation 'River Thames below Formosa Place, Cookham, Berks. 1971. SU908849.' and collector's label marked '68'. 630 grams, 18cm (7"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired Bonham's, sale 18817, lot 226 (part), 13 April 2011; ex Robert Stephen Murray Collection; found river Thames, Formosa Place, Cookham, Berkshire, UK, 1971 (O.S. Ref: SU 908849"). Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Stone Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain, London, 1897, item 13. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
Stone Age British Polished Flint Axe Neolithic, 6000-3000 BC. A knapped and polished grey flint axe with narrow square butt and slightly convex cutting edge, minor loss to butt. 244 grams, 13cm (5"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired privately, 2007; found near Stanhoe, Norfolk, UK, 2001. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Stone Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain, London, 1897, item 35a. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
Stone Age British Polished Flint Axe Neolithic, 6000-3000 BC. A knapped and polished axe in variegated brown flint with convex cutting edge, narrow rounded butt; inked collector's notation 'River Thames below Maidenhead Court, Berks, 1971. SU906835' and sticker marked '73'. 231 grams, 12.5cm (5"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired Bonham's, sale 18817, lot 226 (part), 13 April 2011; ex Robert Stephen Murray Collection; found river Thames, Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK, 1971 (O.S. Ref: SU 906835"). Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Stone Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain, London, 1897, item 67. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
Bronze Age Armorican 'Treboul' Type Short Sword 1500-1200 BC. A dirk or short sword with bevelled edges and thick midrib flattening toward the rounded shoulder with two notches and holes for four sturdy square-section rivets, three in situ; upper edge pitted. 295 grams, 32cm (12 1/2"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired Rupert Wace, 2008; previously with Christie's, New York, sale 1679, lot 55; ex Alfred E. Mirsky (1900-1974) Collection, USA. Cf. Burgess, C. & Gerloff, S. The Dirks and Rapiers of Great Britain and Ireland, Prähistorische Bronzefunde, vol.4, 1981. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Fine condition; upper edge with small crack at rivet hole.
Stone Age British Polished Jadeite Axe Neolithic, 6000-3000 BC. A ground and fully polished axe in a dark green mottled hardstone, sub-triangular in form with near straight cutting edge and rounded butt. 288 grams, 11cm (4 1/4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired privately, 2005. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Stone Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain, London, 1897, item 51. Sir Richard Ground notes that the axe has the appearance of having been re-shaped from a larger oval original, and that the butt appears to have suffered damage from being used as a hammer. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Fine condition; butt and edge slightly chipped from use.
Islamic Bronze Fortune Telling Globe & Stand 19th century AD. A solid spherical Mercurial/celestial globe with zodiacal figures and calibrated bands; cast tripod stand with calibrated ring, scrolled legs with pad feet and floret finials. 1.4 kg, 22.5cm (9"). Ex central London collection; acquired in London, UK, in the early 1980s. Fine condition; one leg repaired.
Islamic Khorasan Bronze Calligraphic Ewer 12th-13th century AD. A drum-shaped vessel with deep shoulder, tubular neck, rolled rim, round-section handle attached to a discoid plaque; bands of calligraphic reserved text to the neck and upper body, pellet and roundel decoration to the shoulder, arabesque panels with harpy and foliage to the neck and lower body. 1.8 kg, 35.5cm (14"). From an important North London collection formed before 1980. Cf. similar decorative plans in von Gladiss, A. Glanz und Substanz. Metallarbeitung in der Sammlung des Museums für Islamische Kunst, Berlin, 2012, items 42, 43. Fine condition.
Islamic Bronze Ink Vessel 12th century AD. A hollow-cast leaf-shaped bulbous vessel with knop finial, ropework band to the shoulder and foliage above, tapering neck and everted rim; loop to the shoulder. 130 grams, 66mm (2 3/4"). From a central London collection formed between 1990-2000. Fine condition.
Islamic Bronze Peacock Pipe 15th century AD or later. A cast pipe stem and bowl in the form of a stylised peacock; the bowl funicular with graduated collars, connected to the bird's barrel-shaped body; raised openwork tail to the rear; head, neck and feet modelled in the round; the stem tapering with bulbous mouthpiece. 588 grams, 25 cm (9 3/4"). From an old British private collection; formed between 1975 and 1985. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
Stone Age British Polished Stone Axe Neolithic, 6000-3000 BC. A ground and polished grey stone axe with narrow butt (some evidence that the butt has been used as a hammer), straight sides, slightly convex cutting edge; inked label to upper face '75 Prob. Cornwall'. 336 grams, 14.5cm (5 3/4"). Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired privately, 2005. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Stone Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain, London, 1897, item 66. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Fine condition; ancient abrasion to butt.
Stone Age British Polished Stone Axe Neolithic, 6000-3000 BC. A polished dark grey stone axe with convex cutting edge, narrow butt; inked collector's notation 'River Thames below Maidenhead Court, Berks, 1971. SU906835' and sticker marked '74'. 329 grams, 14.3cm Ex Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired Bonham's, sale 18817, lot 226 (part), 13 April 2011; ex Robert Stephen Murray Collection; found river Thames, Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK, 1971 (O.S. Ref: SU 906835"). Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Stone Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain, London, 1897, item 50. Each piece from the collection is accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. The eminent lawyer Sir Richard Ground, OBE (1949 - 2014), a graduate of Lincoln College Oxford, was called to the bar at Gray's Inn in 1975. After a period spent specialising in media law, he was, in 1983, appointed Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands, a position which he held until 1987 when he assumed the role of Attorney General. He served as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1998 to 2004, and then as Chief Justice of Bermuda until his retirement in 2012. Highly regarded in legal circles for his decisiveness and impeccable integrity, he was awarded the OBE in 1991 in recognition of his services to the Cayman Islands, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 2012 for services to justice in Bermuda. He had a passion for the natural world and worked alongside his wife, fellow lawyer Lady Ground, to found the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, as well as publishing several volumes of wildlife photography. Sir Richard was a keen and knowledgable collector of both coins and ancient weaponry. His collection of Roman, Byzantine, English, and European coins fetched exceptional prices when sold by Spink in September 2014. It is with pride that we are able to offer his collection of Bronze Age weaponry for auction. [No Reserve] Very fine condition; some ancient chips to butt.
Medieval Gilt-Bronze Limoges Corpus Christi Figure 13th century AD. A cast Corpus Christi, hollow to the reverse, with enamelled panels to the loincloth; pierced at hands and feet for attachment; crown with incised lozenge motifs; black glass inserts to the eyes. 14 grams, 76mm (3"). Property of a European gentleman living in the UK; formerly in a private collection formed in the 1990s. Very fine condition. Rare.
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