3rd-7th century AD. A mixed group of agate and carnelian stamp seals comprising: one conical with intaglio seated figure facing a figure with a staff, frond to the rear; one plano-convex with intaglio profile male bust, starbursts and two wings below; one similar, intaglio pair of opposed horsemen; one with bearded male bust; one with horseman within a border of pellets; one with bird with outstretched wings; one with standing bird within pellets; one with crouching rodent. 72 grams total, 11-29mm (1/2 - 1 1/4"). Property of a Warwickshire gentleman; formerly in the private collection of the famous actor Leslie Phillips; acquired 1950-1960. Born in 1924 in London, Leslie Phillips attended the Italia Conti Academy where he developed the slightly affected accent which became his trademark. He usually played a roguish, suave charmer, and also enjoyed successful comic roles in the early Carry On films and on radio’s The Navy Lark. He has appeared in more than fifty films, plays and TV series spanning six decades; and recently gained new fans through his appearances in the Harry Potter films. He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1998 Queen's Birthday Honours; promoted to Commander (CBE) in the 2008 New Year Honours. [8, No Reserve] Fine condition, some re-ingraving.
We found 15490 price guide item(s) matching your search
There are 15490 lots that match your search criteria. Subscribe now to get instant access to the full price guide service.
Click here to subscribe- List
- Grid
-
15490 item(s)/page
3rd-7th century AD. A carved carnelian seal matrix with intaglio bearded male bust, flanked by a crescent moon and a star; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 7.45 grams, 24mm (1"). Private collection, London, UK; formed 1970s-1980s. Cf. Gyselen, R. Acta Iranica. Sassanian Seals and Sealings in the A. Saeedi Collection, Paris, 2007, item 20.13. Fine condition.
3rd-7th century AD. A carved agate seal matrix with intaglio facing bust and symbols above; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 7.73 grams, 20mm (3/4"). Property of a North London collector; acquired in the 1970s. Cf. Gyselen, R. Acta Iranica. Sassanian Seals and Sealings in the A. Saeedi Collection, Paris, 2007, item 20.10. Fine condition.
3rd-7th century AD. A keeled D-shaped hoop with scaphoid plaque, intaglio design of a galloping horseman with spear; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.81 grams, 25mm overall, 21.46mm internal diameter (approximate size British X 1/2, USA 11 3/4, Europe 27.01, Japan 26) (1"). From a London, UK, collection; acquired 1970s. Fine condition.
3rd-7th century AD. A round-section gold hoop supporting a discoid cell with chamfered rim, pellets to the shoulders, inset carnelian cloison with intaglio tamga motif; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 2.52 grams, 19mm overall, 14.66mm internal diameter (approximate size British G 1/2, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.06, Japan 6) (3/4"). Property of a London gentleman; aquired in the late 1970s and 1980s. A Tamga is an abstract seal that was used by nomadic peoples across the Eurasian regions and usually represents the symbol of a particular tribe. Similar symbols were adopted by sedentary people in the Pontic - Caspian regions that were colonised by Greek settlers in the eighth century BC. This particular example has similarities to the symbol representing the Punic goddess Tanit. Fine condition; one pellet absent.
3rd-7th century AD. A silver bell-shaped seal matrix with hinged loop formed as two dolphins; the matrix formed as a chrysanthemum with intaglio design to the underside of a standing regardant bird. 24 grams, 44mm (1 3/4"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Very fine condition.
5th-4th century BC. A D-section, D-shaped hoop supporting a discoid bezel with intaglio motif of an advancing sphinx. 12 grams, 25mm overall, 18.88mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.0, Japan 18) (1"). Property of a North West London gentleman; formerly with a central London gallery in 1990. Very fine condition.
1st-3rd century AD. A gold ring with wide shank and raised bezel holding a green glass intaglio engraved with the image of Athena Parthenos standing with shield and spear in left hand, right arm extended and holding a small figure of Nike. 2.89 grams, 17.16mm overall, 16.10mm internal diameter (approximate ring size L British; 5 1/2 USA; 51 3/4 Europe; 10 Japan) (3/4"). From a private German collection. The statue of Athena Parthenos (Athena the Virgin) was created by the celebrated sculptor Phidias in 477 BC and was one of the most famous statues of the Classical world. It stood in the new temple to the goddess that had been built on the Acropolis of Athens as a thank offering to the goddess after the victory of the Greeks over the Persians. The statue was made from ivory and gold and is believed to have stood at 12.8m tall. The statue was an object of veneration in the temple for almost a thousand years until it was removed in the fifth century AD and taken to Constantinople where it was eventually destroyed during rioting in the tenth century. Fine condition.
1st-3rd century AD. A carnelian intaglio with Serapis set in a sympathetic modern heavy gold ring. 10.13 grams, 23.1mm overall, 18.84mm internal diameter (approximate ring size R 1/2 British; 8 7/8 USA; 59 Europe; 19 Japan) (1"). Property of a London gentleman; acquired before 1970. Serapis was a composite deity of Graeco-Egyptian origins who was introduced by Ptolemy I, the first Pharaoh of the Ptolemaic dynasty of Hellenistic Egypt. It is believed Serapis was introduced to Egypt to unite the Greek and Egyptian populations of the kingdom. He was a combination of the Greek Hades and the Egyptian Osiris, (deities who are both associated with the underworld), as well as the spouse of the goddess Isis and father of Harpocrates. He played an important role in the mystery cult associated with the goddess that eventually spread across the Roman Empire. Serapis was depicted as a bearded male with a modius on top of his head, representing the abundance that he provided through the flooding of the Nile. Very fine condition.
2nd-3rd century AD. A D-section hoop and discoid plaque with inset garnet(?) cloison, intaglio figure of Mars standing helmeted with spear. 5.13 grams, 16mm overall, 13.57mm internal diameter (approximate size British E, USA 2 1/4, Europe 2.41, Japan 2) (3/4"). Fine condition; cloison cracked.
2nd-3rd century AD. A D-section hoop with ovoid plaque, inset nicolo with agate(?) intaglio dolphin motif. 5.98 grams, 22mm overall, 14.65 x 20.98mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 17 3/4, Japan 15) (1"). Property of a London gentleman; acquired before 1980; formerly in the collection of Henry Mossop, Lincolnshire, UK. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L. Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 195. In Classical religion the dolphin symbolised the journey of the soul across the sea to the afterlife. They were also recognised for their protective role in helping guide lost ships. The dolphin was sacred to both Apollo and Venus, and Eros/Cupid is often shown riding on the back of one. Very fine condition.
3rd-4th century AD. A flat-section hoop with beaded wire borders and filigree meander, dished bezel with inset carnelian cloison, intaglio of a grazing horse. 3.96 grams, 22mm overall, 18.90mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18) (1"). From an important London collection, acquired in the 1970s. Very fine condition.
3rd century AD. A keeled D-section gold hoop with carinated shoulders, elliptical plaque with inset carnelian, intaglio profile horse-head motif. 3.99 grams, 19mm overall, 17.59mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.0, Japan 14) (3/4"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L. Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 182. Very fine condition.
3rd century AD. A D-section hoop with lateral carinations and facetted expanding shoulders, elliptical cell with inset stone(?) intaglio depicting Cupid riding a hippocamp, with fish. 6.99 grams, 23mm overall, 19.24mm internal diameter (approximate size British S, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.38, Japan 19) (1"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L. Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 203. Very fine condition.
1st-3rd century AD. A gold ring with wide shank tapering to the middle, top slightly flattened and recessed with an intaglio of white stone engraved with a hippocampus. 3.75 grams, 20.60mm overall, 15.47mm internal diameter (approximate ring size J British; 4 5/8 USA; 49 Europe; 9 Japan) (1"). Private collection, North London; acquired in the early 1980s. Fine condition.
2nd century AD. A broad flat-section gold hoop with granules to the outer edges, median rosette, hinged plaque with beaded border and inset banded agate intaglio of Mercury with caduceus and marsupium coin-purse. 2.46 grams, 19mm overall, 11.91mm internal diameter (approximate size British A, USA 0, Europe -, Japan 0) (3/4"). From the collection of a North West London gentleman; acquired in the 1980s. Fine condition.
3rd century AD. A substantial D-section silver hoop and expanding shoulders, flat plaque with notched edges and inset carnelian(?) plaque with intaglio motif of Minerva with helmet, spear and shield holding a winged Victoria. 25 grams, 34mm overall, 21.87mm internal diameter (approximate size British Y 1/2, USA 12 1/4, Europe 28.2, Japan 27) (1 1/4"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Roman goddess Minerva was a patron of arts, crafts, wisdom and commerce. From the 2nd century BC onwards, she was equated with the Greek counterpart, goddess Athena, and adapted large part of her mythology. Some scholars believe that her cult was introduced at Rome from Etruria. Later, affected by Athena, her worship as a goddess of war encroached upon that of Mars (Greek Ares"). The erection of a temple to her by Pompey out of the spoils of his Eastern conquests shows that by then she had been identified with the Greek Athena Nike, bestower of victory. Like Athena Nike, one often finds her image holding Victory (equivalent of the Greek Nike); the personified goddess of victory. Unlike the Greek Nike, however, Victoria was a major Roman deity, worshipped by triumphant generals returning from war as a symbol of victory over death and determined who would be successful during war. Very fine condition. A large wearable size.
13th-14th century AD. A parcel-gilt silver D-section hoop with faux-twist detailing to the outer face, raised plaque with intaglio motif of a standing canine with pellets in the field. 26 grams, 30mm overall, 20.26mm internal diameter (approximate size British U 1/2, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.59, Japan 22) (1 1/4"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Fine condition. A large wearable size.
12th-13th century AD. A substantial silver-gilt D-section hoop with lateral ribs and D-shaped flanges, trumpet bezel; the hoop with running scrolls and tendrils, the bezel with intaglio dragon(?) motif. 11 grams, 26mm overall, 16.99mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.16, Japan 12) (1"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Very fine condition.
13th-14th century AD. A bronze chessman seal matrix with hexagonal-section shank, collar and trefoil suspension loop; to the shield-shaped face an intaglio design of a lion(?) couchant with hare above between two branches; with incuse LEOSV inscription ('I am a lion') across the top edge; old inked collector's number 918 to the reverse. 5.81 grams, 18mm (3/4"). From a significant private English collection of seal matrices, formed over the past 35 years. See Bloom, J. Harvey, English Seals, London, 1906, for general information. Fine condition.
14th-15th century AD. A bronze chessman seal matrix with pierced quatrefoil finial, balustered stem, facetted base, intaglio design with bird and foliage with enigmatic legend surrounding '*VISQVIMAVETRENMECREI'. 5.84 grams, 21mm (3/4"). Property of an East London collector. Very fine condition.
1st-2nd century AD. A round-section silver hoop expanding to keeled shoulders, elliptical cell with inset agate cabochon, intaglio bust of Sol Invictus with radiate crown. 13 grams, 32mm overall, 23.36mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z+3 1/2, USA 14, Europe 33.2, Japan 31) (1 1/4"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Very fine condition. A large wearable size.
14th-15th century AD. A bronze continental chessman seal matrix with hexagonal-section shank, collar and trefoil suspension loop; to the circular face an intaglio design of a balance scale; with incuse [U?Q?]UOTO S AUGUSTIN. black letter inscription for St Augustine. 23.88 grams, 24.94mm diameter (1"). From a significant private English collection of seal matrices, formed over the past 35 years; acquired Libert Damien 'Sceaux Gothiques' sale, 24 September 2008, lot 345. See Libert Damien 'Sceaux Gothiques' sale catalogue, 24 September 2008, lot 345, accompanied by a copy of the entry page. Very fine condition.
14th century AD. A bronze chessman seal matrix with pierced knop finial, hexagonal-section tapering shank; intaglio motif of an eagle and surrounding legend '*PRIVE SV' (I am private"). 5.95 grams, 17mm (3/4"). Found Hampshire, UK. Recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme with reference number HAMP-EA9E04; accompanied by a print out of the PAS report. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
13th-14th century AD. A bronze chessman seal matrix with hexagonal-section shank, collar and quatrefoil suspension loop; to the oval face an intaglio design of a tree with three branches with an animal dormant affronté below (possibly a stylised lion); with incuse *PREVE SV POV CONV inscription for 'I am Private and Afterwards Known'. 12.50 grams, 22.20mm long (3/4"). From a significant private English collection of seal matrices, formed over the past 35 years. See Archaeologia Aeliana, 3rd Series, IX, p.207 (Durham Seals) for other examples of this inscription. Fine condition.
13th-14th century AD. A Italian bronze circular flat seal with raised rib and suspension loop to reverse with intaglio design of rampant lion; with incuse '+S TANCREDI DE ROSCIANO' inscription for Tancred of Rosiano. 36 grams, 36mm (1 1/2"). From a significant private English collection of seal matrices, formed over the past 35 years. See Journal of the British Archaeological Association, volume XIV, p.349 for a reference to a circular seal bearing this name. Rosciano is a town in the Italian province of Pescara, in the Abruzzo region; a replica of this seal matrix is in the collections of the British Museum (registration number 1872,0603.74, acquired 1872 from Rollin & Feuardent"). Fine condition.
13th-14th century AD. A discoid seal matrix with strap and loop to the reverse; intaglio design of an Agnus Dei and Lombardic text surrounding '+S' IOHAN DE HOVTONE' (Seal of John of Hoveton"). 5.25 grams, 22mm (1"). Found Canterbury area, Kent, UK, 1980s. The name Hovtone is an early spelling of Hovetone, Norfolk, England which appears as Houetune in Domesday Book. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
13th-14th century AD. A pair of bronze chessman seal matrices comprising: one discoid with central intaglio eagle motif and Lombardic legend 'AQVILA IOHIS 'eagle of (St.) John'; one with intaglio figure of St. Catherine with her wheel symbol, illegible text surrounding. 14 grams total, 18-25mm (3/4 - 1"). Found Canterbury area, Kent, UK, 1980s. Accompanied by a letter from John Cherry, Deputy Keeper in the Department of Medieval and Later Antiquities at the British Museum, dated 16th January 1987. [2, No Reserve] Fine condition.
3rd century AD. A parcel-gilt silver D-section hoop expanding to keeled shoulders, all with foliage detailing; the plaque with inset gold panel and carnelian cabochon with intaglio design comprising a bearded profile head facing left and another above facing upwards, ropework straps and hexagonal boss to the rear. 20 grams, 32mm overall, 20.65mm internal diameter (approximate size British V 1/2, USA 10 3/4, Europe 24.4, Japan 23) (1 1/4"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L. Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 214. Very fine condition.
2nd-3rd century AD. A D-section silver hoop with expanding shoulders and flaring ribs, flat plaque with punched crescent detailing to the border, cell with inset carnelian cloison, intaglio motif of a robed female on a chair with staff and flowers, possibly the goddess Flora. 14 grams, 29mm overall, 22.31mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z+1, USA 12 3/4, Europe 29.99, Japan 28) (1 1/4"). UK art market, acquired prior to 1980. Cf. Taylor, G. & Scarisbrick, D. Finger Rings from Ancient Egypt to the Present Day, Oxford, 1978, item 160. Flora was the Roman goddess of flowers and the Spring. Her cult was widespread across Italy at an early date and she had a month dedicated to her in the Roman calendar which occurred around April. She was the deity who made the trees blossom thus providing fruit. She had a temple in Rome on the Aventine Hill and another in the northwestern slope of the Quirinal Hill. Her main festival was the Floralia on August 13 which was an agricultural festival to ensure that the crops blossomed and there was a good harvest. Fine condition.
3rd century AD. A substantial D-section silver hoop expanding to keeled shoulders with scrolls and tendrils, discoid plaque with intaglio motif of winged Victoria with a wreath in a biga. 23 grams, 29mm overall, 20.57mm internal diameter (approximate size British V 1/2, USA 10 3/4, Europe 24.4, Japan 23) (1 1/4"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L. Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 210. Fine condition.
2nd-3rd century AD. A broad flat-section ribbed hoop with expanding shoulders, plaque with scrolled tendrils to the outer edge, central cell, inset onyx nicolo intaglio, female bust with choker collar. 25 grams, 27mm overall, 22.49mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z+1, USA 13, Europe 30.15, Japan 29) (1"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Supplied with a positive X-Ray Fluorescence metal analysis certificate. Cf. Taylor, G. & Scarisbrick, D. Finger Rings from Ancient Egypt to the Present Day, Oxford, 1978, item 160. Accompanied by an Art Loss Register certificate. The hairstyle and facial features are similar to coin portraits of Lucilla (150–182 AD), daughter of the emperor Marcus Aurelius and sister to his successor, Commodus. In 161 AD, when she was between eleven and thirteen years old, Marcus Aurelius arranged a marriage for her with his co-ruler Lucius Verus; they were married three years later in Ephesus where she was given the title Augusta and became empress. Lucilla was an influential and respectable woman who helped with the running of the empire whilst her father and husband were away in the provinces or at war with Rome's enemies. Lucius Verus died in 169 AD whilst returning from the Danube frontier and Lucilla lost her status. She was married a second time to Quintianus who may have been destined to become emperor after Marcus Aurelius, however, upon his death her brother Commodus took the throne bringing an end to any hopes of Lucilla becoming an empress again. The reign of Commodus is noted for his increasingly erratic behaviour and cruelty and it was this that led to Lucilla, her husband, and members of his family, to become involved in an assassination plot to oust Commodus and install themselves as the new rulers of Rome. The attempted assassination failed and most of the conspirators were put to death. Lucilla was banished to the island of Capri, where she was murdered a year later. Very fine condition. A large, heavy, wearable man's size.
1st-3rd century AD. A broad, flat-section tapering gold hoop with inset sard plaque, intaglio profile bust of Serapis with modius corn measure. 5.38 grams, 23mm overall, 19.72mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 21.89, Japan 21) (1"). Property of a Suffolk collector; acquired from the 1980s. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
1st-2nd century AD. A C-section gold hoop with expanding shoulders, flat plaque with applied cell, inset glass cabochon, intaglio motif of Mercury standing with caduceus and marsupium. 6.55 grams, 28mm overall, 24.14mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z+5 1/2, USA 15, Europe 35.71, Japan 34) (1"). Property of a Mayfair gentleman. Very fine condition. A large wearable size.
1st-2nd century AD. A gold finger ring in Classical Greek style comprising a hoop formed as parallel wire bands with beaded wire to the exterior, connected by median granules, discoid plaque with beaded wire borders and inset rock crystal cloison with intaglio scene of two robed females making an offering at a rural shrine, frond above. 3.83 grams, 21mm overall, 19.46mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.0, Japan 20) (3/4"). From the collection of a Mayfair gentleman, acquired in the 1970s. Cf. Taylor, G. & Scarisbrick, D. Finger Rings from Ancient Egypt to the Present Day, Oxford, 1978, Type 19. Fine condition.
1st-2nd century AD. A D-section gold hoop with expanding shoulders and elliptical plaque, inset garnet cabochon with intaglio of wolf advancing. 2.83 grams, 23mm overall, 15.21mm internal diameter (approximate size British I, USA 4 1/4, Europe 7.44, Japan 7) (1"). From an important North London collection formed before 1980. The wolf image is possibly a reference to the lupa she-wolf which suckled Romulus and Remus in the story of the foundation of Rome. Fine condition.
1st-3rd century AD. A gold ring with thick rounded shank with a small rounded bezel, beads of gold at the point where the shank meets the bezel; set with a carnelian intaglio engraved with a lion. 5.69 grams, 21.21mm overall diameter, 17.61 internal diameter (approximate ring size P British; 7 1/2 USA; 56 1/2 Europe; 15 Japan) Property of a London gentleman; aquired in the late 1970s and 1980s. Fine condition.
211-218 AD. A carnelian intaglio engraved with a bust of the emperor Caracalla wearing laurel wreath. 0.26 grams, 9mm (1/4"). UK art market, acquired prior to 1980. Caracalla (full name Lucius Septimius Bassianus) succeeded to the Imperial throne when his father, Septimius Severus, died in York in 211 AD. He ruled jointly with his brother Geta until he eventually murdered him a few months later to rule alone; his rule is noted for increasingly coming under the influence of his mother, Julia Domna, the true power behind the throne. He managed to pacify the German tribes along the Rhine by bribing them, as well as carry out a series of aggressive campaigns against the Parthians; it was whilst travelling through Syria to one of these wars that he was eventually assassinated by a member of his personal bodyguard. Very fine condition.
3rd century AD. A narrow D-section silver hoop with flat shoulders and scaphoid plaque, inset glass cloison with intaglio image of Mercury standing wearing the petasos. 3.23 grams, 19mm overall, 15.64mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 9.0, Japan 8) (3/4"). Property of a Hampshire gentleman; by inheritance 1970s. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L. Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 248. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
2nd century AD. A D-section silver hoop with keeled shoulders, discoid plaque with beaded border, intaglio figure of Minerva seated with shield, spear and arrows. 9.87 grams, 26mm overall, 19.01mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 9, Europe 19.69, Japan 19) (1"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Very fine condition.
1st-2nd century AD. A D-section hoop and expanding shoulders, flat plaque with inset red glass cloison, intaglio profile bust of Mars in helmet. 6.29 grams, 26mm overall, 18.80mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.0, Japan 18) (1"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L. Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 194. Fine condition.
3rd-1st century BC. A D-section keeled hoop supporting a scaphoid plaque with intaglio profile bust of a clean-shaven youthful male. 4.40 grams, 21mm overall, 18.60mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18.40, Japan 17) (3/4"). Property of a London collector; acquired in the 1990s. Cf. Taylor, G. & Scarisbrick, D. Finger Rings from Ancient Egypt to the Present Day, Oxford, 1978, Type 15. Very fine condition.
2nd-3rd century AD. A D-section hoop and expanding shoulders, discoid plaque with intaglio scene of a horse and rider amid foliage. 9.74 grams, 25mm overall, 20.12mm internal diameter (approximate size British U 1/2, USA 10 1/4, Europe 23.15, Japan 22) (1"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s. The iconography of this ring would suggest that the subject is the Thracian Rider god, a deity of some antiquity who grew in popularity during the Roman Empire. The identification of this deity has never been fully explained though one idea is that he is the Thracian/Phrygian deity Sabazios. He is associated with vegetation, especially barley and wheat, and his worship was widespread in Italy. He is associated with the goddess Cybele and often takes on the attributes of Zeus or Dionysus. His chief attribute is the snake and a small image of one can be seen to the rear of the horse on this ring. On reliefs and statues he is shown wearing Thracian costume and riding a horse with stellar symbols and spearing a monster in the form of a dragon. His iconography influenced that of the later Christian Saint George. Depictions of the god on rings are rare. Very fine condition.
1st-3rd century AD. A D-section bronze hoop supporting a discoid plaque with intaglio design of a temple portico. 9.18 grams, 24mm overall, 19.94mm internal diameter (approximate size British U, USA 10, Europe 22.52, Japan 21) (1"). Property of a Warwickshire gentleman; formerly in the private collection of the famous actor Leslie Phillips; acquired 1950-1960. Born in 1924 in London, Leslie Phillips attended the Italia Conti Academy where he developed the slightly affected accent which became his trademark. He usually played a roguish, suave charmer, and also enjoyed successful comic roles in the early Carry On films and on radio’s The Navy Lark. He has appeared in more than fifty films, plays and TV series spanning six decades; and recently gained new fans through his appearances in the Harry Potter films. He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1998 Queen's Birthday Honours; promoted to Commander (CBE) in the 2008 New Year Honours. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
Roman Period, 30 BC-323 AD. A D-section gold hoop expanding to a discoid plaque with inset carnelian cloison; intaglio design of the serpent Ourobouros biting its own tail surrounding a Greek magical text '?????????/???????????/???????????/????????CIE?/E??? IERPBHKA/A?CIAIADA?/NI' invoking the help of the spirit Marmarao(?"). 8.16 grams, 25mm overall, 19.37mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.73, Japan 20) (1"). UK art market, acquired prior to 1980. Cf. Marshall, F.H. Catalogue of the Finger Rings - Greek, Etruscan and Roman - in the Department of Antiquities, British Museum, London, 1968, item 1130 for type; 'Marmarao' or 'Marmaroth' is possibly the name of an ancient Near Eastern 'angel', spirit or minor deity. See Cresswell, J. The Watkins Dictionary of Angels, London, 2011. Accompanied by an Art Loss Register certificate. The Ouroboros was seen in the Greek and Roman worlds as a creature that was without beginning or end and according to Plato it was as the first living thing; a self-eating, circular being—the universe as an immortal, mythologically constructed entity. Due to the circular shape that it formed it was seen as having protective and magical properties and everything that it enclosed was seen as sacred. Magical spells were popular in the Graeco-Roman world and have been found in many parts of the Roman Empire. They take many forms such as writing onto pottery sherds or on papyrus as well as sheets of lead, silver or gold. Many gem stones were carved with magical symbols and spells and display an elaborate syncretism of Greek, Egyptian, Jewish, and even Babylonian and Christian religious influences. These stones were set into rings to protect the owner or help cure a long standing medical condition. The type of stone was also important as many had specific magical connotations. Whilst many of the spells can be translated some are composed of letters that form phonetic sounds with no meaning or are written backwards or even groups of letters that make no sense at all except to the magician who was consulted by the client; very often it was the cryptic form of the letters that was often the most important in harnessing divine help. According to Cresswell, Marmarao is 'an angel invoked in magic to cure bladder trouble'. Very fine condition.
20th century AD. A gold-mounted fob seal with pierced frame and oval green/red bloodstone face depicting intaglio heater shield with arms of a central leopard's head jessant-de-lys, with three griffin heads around and surmounted by a demi-griffin, wings elevated, holding a leopard's head jessant-de-lys crest with 'TENAX PROPOSITI' (Steadfast in Purpose) motto on ribbon below, being the arms, crest and motto of the Barons Hollenden (Hope-Morley family"). 8.19 grams, 29mm long (seal face 18mm) (1 1/4 (3/4)"). Property of a Warwickshire gentleman; formerly in the private collection of the famous actor Leslie Phillips; acquired 1950-1960. Samuel Hope Morley, 1st Baron Hollenden of Leigh, Kent (1845-1929, created Baron 1912) served as Governor of the Bank of England (1903-1905); Geoffrey Hope Hope-Morley (1885-1977) was High Sheriff of the County of London in 1917; the title is held today by the 4th Baron, Ian Hampden Hope-Morley. Born in 1924 in London, Leslie Phillips attended the Italia Conti Academy where he developed the slightly affected accent which became his trademark. He usually played a roguish, suave charmer, and also enjoyed successful comic roles in the early Carry On films and on radio’s The Navy Lark. He has appeared in more than fifty films, plays and TV series spanning six decades; and recently gained new fans through his appearances in the Harry Potter films. He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1998 Queen's Birthday Honours; promoted to Commander (CBE) in the 2008 New Year Honours. [No Reserve] Fine condition; small chip to face of seal.
19th century AD. A gold fob seal with openwork mount, the oval green/red bloodstone seal with intaglio crest of a wreathed and bearded demi-savage with 'DREAD GOD' motto above and initials 'RG' in script below within oval cartouche. 7.81 grams, 35mm long (seal face 25mm) (1 1/2 (1)"). Property of a Warwickshire gentleman; formerly in the private collection of the famous actor Leslie Phillips; acquired 1950-1960. Cf. Butters, Laurence, Fairbairn's Crests of the Families of Great Britain and Ireland, p.209 and pl.14, crest 11. This crest (sometimes with minor variations) and motto are associated with branches of the Scottish Gordon family of Lochinvar; the motto is also that of Clan Munro(e"). Born in 1924 in London, Leslie Phillips attended the Italia Conti Academy where he developed the slightly affected accent which became his trademark. He usually played a roguish, suave charmer, and also enjoyed successful comic roles in the early Carry On films and on radio’s The Navy Lark. He has appeared in more than fifty films, plays and TV series spanning six decades; and recently gained new fans through his appearances in the Harry Potter films. He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1998 Queen's Birthday Honours; promoted to Commander (CBE) in the 2008 New Year Honours. [No Reserve] Extremely fine condition.
19th century AD. A gold mounted fob seal with openwork frame and oval bloodstone face depicting an intaglio bearded male (a philosopher?) profile bust. 6.73 grams, 32mm long (seal face 20mm) (1 1/4 (3/4)"). Property of a Warwickshire gentleman; formerly in the private collection of the famous actor Leslie Phillips; acquired 1950-1960. Born in 1924 in London, Leslie Phillips attended the Italia Conti Academy where he developed the slightly affected accent which became his trademark. He usually played a roguish, suave charmer, and also enjoyed successful comic roles in the early Carry On films and on radio’s The Navy Lark. He has appeared in more than fifty films, plays and TV series spanning six decades; and recently gained new fans through his appearances in the Harry Potter films. He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1998 Queen's Birthday Honours; promoted to Commander (CBE) in the 2008 New Year Honours. [No Reserve] Fine condition; small chip to edge of seal stone.
19th century AD. A gold mounted fob seal with openwork frame and circular bloodstone face depicting an intaglio profile bust of Mercury in petasos. 4.40 grams, 24mm long (seal face 18mm) (1 (3/4)"). Property of a Warwickshire gentleman; formerly in the private collection of the famous actor Leslie Phillips; acquired 1950-1960. Born in 1924 in London, Leslie Phillips attended the Italia Conti Academy where he developed the slightly affected accent which became his trademark. He usually played a roguish, suave charmer, and also enjoyed successful comic roles in the early Carry On films and on radio’s The Navy Lark. He has appeared in more than fifty films, plays and TV series spanning six decades; and recently gained new fans through his appearances in the Harry Potter films. He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1998 Queen's Birthday Honours; promoted to Commander (CBE) in the 2008 New Year Honours. [No Reserve] Extremely fine condition.
18th century AD. A fob seal with silver wire frame and suspension loop, the oval double-sided cut steel seal mounted in silver swivel frame and depicting the intaglio bust of George III with incuse G III inscription to obverse and the intaglio crowned British Royal Arms to the reverse. 6.67 grams, 24mm wide (seal face 18mm) (1 (3/4)"). Property of a Warwickshire gentleman; formerly in the private collection of the famous actor Leslie Phillips; acquired 1950-1960. Cf. Spink Coins of England & The United Kingdom, 2015, no.3729; for the form and shape of the arms on the English gold 'spade' guinea coins of the period 1787-1799. Born in 1924 in London, Leslie Phillips attended the Italia Conti Academy where he developed the slightly affected accent which became his trademark. He usually played a roguish, suave charmer, and also enjoyed successful comic roles in the early Carry On films and on radio’s The Navy Lark. He has appeared in more than fifty films, plays and TV series spanning six decades; and recently gained new fans through his appearances in the Harry Potter films. He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1998 Queen's Birthday Honours; promoted to Commander (CBE) in the 2008 New Year Honours. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
19th century AD. A desk seal with expanding propelling pencil concealed within the cylindrical handle by Sampson Mordan, with maker's mark 'S MORDAN & Co'; the octagonal face with intaglio crest of a lion rearing against a column and incuse 'TOUT JOUR' (Every Day) inscription on a ribbon below. 54 grams, 12.5cm extended (seal face 18mm) (5 (3/4)"). Property of a Warwickshire gentleman; formerly in the private collection of the famous actor Leslie Phillips; acquired 1950-1960. Sampson Mordan (1790-1843) was a British silversmith and used the 'S Mordan & Co' mark from 1837; he and his company produced many types of pencil in gold and silver and these are widely collected today. Born in 1924 in London, Leslie Phillips attended the Italia Conti Academy where he developed the slightly affected accent which became his trademark. He usually played a roguish, suave charmer, and also enjoyed successful comic roles in the early Carry On films and on radio’s The Navy Lark. He has appeared in more than fifty films, plays and TV series spanning six decades; and recently gained new fans through his appearances in the Harry Potter films. He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1998 Queen's Birthday Honours; promoted to Commander (CBE) in the 2008 New Year Honours. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
19th century AD. A silver-gilt mounted desk seal with banded brown/white agate handle, the long collar with engraved foliage and floral bands, mounted with cabochon turquoises and cut amethysts; the oval banded agate seal face with intaglio 'sealed envelope' design and incuse 'consola ma non basta' Italian motto (consoles but not enough) in script above; the seal dividing at centre to reveal a hidden compartment. 32 grams, 60mm long (seal face 17mm) (2 1/2 (3/4)"). Property of a Warwickshire gentleman; formerly in the private collection of the famous actor Leslie Phillips; acquired 1950-1960. Born in 1924 in London, Leslie Phillips attended the Italia Conti Academy where he developed the slightly affected accent which became his trademark. He usually played a roguish, suave charmer, and also enjoyed successful comic roles in the early Carry On films and on radio’s The Navy Lark. He has appeared in more than fifty films, plays and TV series spanning six decades; and recently gained new fans through his appearances in the Harry Potter films. He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1998 Queen's Birthday Honours; promoted to Commander (CBE) in the 2008 New Year Honours. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
18th-early 19th century AD. A bronze chessman seal matrix with pierced trefoil handle, stepped base, intaglio design to the underside of a facing helmet with horned crest, wreath framing two conjoined letters 'S'. 8.29 grams, 31mm (1 1/4"). Property of a professional; acquired on the European art market in the 1980s. Fine condition.
Dated 1842 AD. A large and heavy bronze vesica seal matrix made by Benjamin Wyon; the face depicting the intaglio heraldic arms of the Bishop (halved, showing a seated nimbate figure holding sword in mouth with left arm raised in blessing and an armoured spurred leg between two spears) surmounted by a bishop's mitre; with incuse 'THE SEAL OF ASHHURST TURNER GILBERT D. D. BISHOP OF CHICHESTER 1842' legend; the reverse inscribed 'B WYON / CHIEF ENGRAVER / OF HER MAJESTY'S SEALS / 41 MARGARET STREET' in four lines. 578 grams, 95mm (3 3/4"). Property of a Warwickshire gentleman; formerly in the private collection of the famous actor Leslie Phillips; acquired 1950-1960. Supplied with a computer print-out of the obituary of Bishop Turner from The Times, 22nd February 1870; Dictionary of National Biography entry for Benjamin Wyon, and a print-out of the bishop's portrait. Bishop Gilbert (1786-1870) was appointed Bishop at Chichester in 1842 (see his obituary, copy included, for biographical details); Benjamin Wyon (1802-1858) was appointed Chief Engraver of the Seals in 1831 and was the son of Thomas Wyon (the elder); he made the Great Seal for William IV and also produced medals. Born in 1924 in London, Leslie Phillips attended the Italia Conti Academy where he developed the slightly affected accent which became his trademark. He usually played a roguish, suave charmer, and also enjoyed successful comic roles in the early Carry On films and on radio’s The Navy Lark. He has appeared in more than fifty films, plays and TV series spanning six decades; and recently gained new fans through his appearances in the Harry Potter films. He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1998 Queen's Birthday Honours; promoted to Commander (CBE) in the 2008 New Year Honours. Very fine condition. Very rare.
Loading...-
15490 item(s)/page