6th century AD. A spatha longsword and scabbard fitting; the iron blade lentoid in section with parallel edges and tapering tip, formed by the forge-welding process, with narrow shoulders and long flat-section tang pierced at the upper end; the gilt-bronze guard scaphoid in plan with shallow socket to the underside, applied gold cells containing almandine garnet cloisons cut in a stepped pattern; sheet-silver ribbed grip with collar to the lower end; modern leather-covered scabbard with ancient fittings including two animal-head mounts securing the ends of the strap-slider with garnet cabochon eyes, and sheet-silver lateral bars and chape with ribbed panel and hooked beak to the upper end, fitted to a reproduction leather scabbard. See Menghin, W., Das Schwert im Frühen Mittelalter, Stuttgart, 1983, for discussion and typology; Menghin, W., The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, item I.15.3, for garnets on the lower guard, I.38.1 and III.13.3.1, for blade and tang configuration, I.38.2 and VI.12.1.1, for scabbard fittings; Miche, M., Die Goldgriffspathas der frühen Merowingerzeit, in Deutscher, L. et al., Das Schwert - Symbol und Waffe, Rahden, 2014.1.1 kg, 1.09m (43"). Formerly in the private collection of Mr M. B., Mainz, Germany, since the 1980s; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10362-168780. The blade of the sword was made by the forge-welding process whereby different grades of iron are welded together in stripe, then a steel outer sleeve is attached to form the cutting edges. It seems likely then that the piece represents a marriage of ancient parts. Fine condition; blade edges notched.
We found 151070 price guide item(s) matching your search
There are 151070 lots that match your search criteria. Subscribe now to get instant access to the full price guide service.
Click here to subscribe- List
- Grid
-
151070 item(s)/page
5th century AD. A bronze lower guard from a longsword, scaphoid in plan with remains of gilding to the surface; shallow ellipsoid recess to the upper face with inner ledge and broader recess to the lower face; series of nineteen rectangular garnet cloisons to the display side of the guard, the outer and middle one carved with a barley-twist design. Cf. Menghin, W., Das Schwert im Frühen Mittelalter, Stuttgart, 1983, items 2 (1d) (Pouan, France), 56 (Planig, Germany); The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, item I.34.5 (Taman, Russia); Miche, M., Die Goldgriffspathas der Frühen Merowingerzeit, in Deutscher, L. et al., Das Schwert - Symbol und Waffe, Rahden, 2014, table 1 1 (Tournai), 9 (Flonheim), Table 2 1 (Arcy-Saint-Restitue), 5 (La Rue Saint Pierre), 9 (Berlin).41.9 grams, 84mm (3 1/4"). Formerly in the private collection of Mr M. B., Mainz, Germany, since the 1989; previously the property of his grandfather since the 1960s-1970s; accompanied by an expertise by Dr. Noel Adams; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10367-168757. [A video of this lot is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Very fine condition.
1st century BC-1st century AD. A bronze figure formed as a rider with legs spread as though seated on horseback, right arm raised, crested helmet and baldric to the right shoulder, impressed facial details. Cf. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 320, for type.37 grams, 50mm (2"). From the private collection of a retired Suffolk, gentleman; found Suffolk, UK. Fine condition.
5th-6th century AD. A gold finger ring with round-section hoop with central circular bezel flanked by five smaller round cells and a tear-shaped cell, each set with garnets. Cf. Menghin, W., The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, item I.34.7, for a comparable example.5.89 grams, 21.39mm overall, 17.35mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13) (3/4"). Property of an English collector; acquired from John Moor, York, UK, in the late 1990s; accompanied by an independent specialist report and valuation by graduate gemmologist and jewellery expert Anna Rogers, GIA GG, BA, Gem-A, ref. no.168702/07/12/2020; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10464-168702. [A video of this lot is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Very fine condition.
6th century AD. A gold finger ring with D-section hoop, square bezel with carinated profile, cell with inset garnet cloison. See Hadjadj, R., Bagues Merovingiennes - Gaul du Nord, Paris, 2007, item 354, for type.5.21 grams, 22.83mm overall, 19.89mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16) (1"). The property of an UK collector; acquired in the early 1990s. Very fine condition. A large wearable size.
9th-10th century AD. A bronze brooch and pendant assemblage comprising: two elliptical bronze tortoise brooches, each domed with raised ornament of four Borre-style faces with pellet eyes to the centre of a panel of body parts and hatching with two more faces to the narrow ends, wide flange, catchplate, pin hinge and pendant attachment bar to the reverse; two openwork triangular-shaped pendants each with an apex loop and five lower attachment loops, each pendant joined by three double-link chains; to one side two additional chains of double-links join a bronze equal-arm brooch with two trapezoidal arms, each with raised Borre-Style geometric ornament, masks to the ends and central domed panel, hinged pin to the reverse, pierced lug to accept the chain, and a bronze fire steel with two large perched ravens facing each other on the handle, remains of the iron striker below; to the other side two additional chains of double-links join an iron key and a pair of iron sheers. See MacGregor, A. et al., A Summary Catalogue of the Continental Archaeological Collections, Oxford, 1997, item 4, for oval brooches; cf. Ewing, T., Viking Clothing, Stroud, 2007.527 grams total, 8.6-42cm (3 1/4 - 16 1/2"). From the family collection of a UK gentleman, by descent in the early 1970s; previously acquired before 1960; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10511-170962. Scandinavian women's display jewellery in the Viking age comprised both utilitarian and symbolic items. The brooches were worn high on the chest, supporting an apron-type overdress (hangerok) with the beads and chains strung between them and various small items attached. The pendants probably symbolised the authority of the female in the domestic sphere (key, coin, spindle whorl), and in husbandry (model animal, crotal bells, model knife"). [3] Very fine condition; professionally cleaned and conserved.
6th century AD. A matched trio of bronze disc appliqués, each a plaque with trilinear border surrounding a pattern of La Tène whirls and tendrils reserved against a red enamel field. Cf. Farley, J. & Hunter, F., Celts Art and Identity, London, 2015, item 162.52 grams total, 41-42mm (1 1/2 - 1 3/4"). Found Leicestershire, UK, 2020; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10440-168912. Fine condition.
8th century AD. A bronze strap fitting with enamelled detailing; the plate comprising a rectangular upper panel with reserved rectilinear blocks on a red enamelled field, two crescent panels with a median curved bar and similar below with central pellet (ravens?), all flanking an ellipsoid void; lower panel with hole at the upper edge and notched lower edge; single pierced attachment lug to the reverse of the upper panel and two to the lower panel. Cf. O'Kelly, M.J., The Belt-Shrine from Moylough, Sligo, in The Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, vol. 95, no.1/2, Dublin, 1965.6.46 grams, 25mm (1"). From an important private Dutch collection since the 1990s; formerly in the collection of Nicholas Wright, Kilburn, London. The item has the appearance of a one-piece strap or belt-buckle. The hole in the lower panel would allow a narrow tongue to be inserted and looped around the bar to form a free-moving tongue. However, the provision of attachment lugs on the rear of the upper and lower panels indicates that the whole piece was intended to be attached to a single strap, or possibly that two separate straps were joined using the piece as a connector. The strap(s) would have been narrow, since the aperture is only 11.5mm wide and the attachment lugs on the reverse are 10.8mm apart on the outer edges. The style of decoration is similar to that seen on Irish belt-shrines, such as the example from Moylough (County Sligo), and it may be that the piece once formed part of such a revered object. Very fine condition.
6th century AD. A substantial bronze bow brooch comprising: triangular headplate flanked by two groups of two opposed bird-heads, inset garnet cabochons; broad bow with herringbone detailing; narrow triangular footplate with four lateral lobes, inset garnet cabochons; pin-lug to the reverse with catch and second pierced lug at the foot. Cf. Menghin, W., The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, item IX.6.5, for type.110 grams, 16.2cm (6 1/2"). Ex central London gallery; previously acquired on the European art market.[No Reserve] Fine condition.
5th-6th century AD. A composite disc brooch comprising an iron core and silver outer plates; the obverse decorated with silver inlay in the Tauschierung technique in wedge-shaped blocks and strips with a ring of reserved meander pattern and another of pellets; four gilded bosses to the outer edge, central disc; to the reverse, two pin-lugs and a catch, old collector's reference 'MS116'. Cf. Beck, H. et al., Fibel und Fibeltracht, Berlin, 2000, fig.153(1), from Nordhausen, Germany; Menghin, W., The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, item VI.5.2.8.58.1 grams, 61mm (2 1/2"). From an important private Dutch collection; formerly in the collection of Dr. Hans-Ulrich Haedeke (1928-2017), author of ‘Schmuck Aus Drei Jahrtausenden’ and who became the director of the Museum of Klingenmuseum in Solingen, Germany, in 1968; the collection was formed in the early 1960s; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10479-169959. Fine condition, some restoration.
9th-10th century AD. A discoid silver pendant with integral loop, border enclosing a low-relief image of a male facing mask between two birds embraced at the necks. Cf. Hammond, B. M., British Artefacts Volume 2 - Middle Saxon and Viking, p.57, item 1.5.3-f; Korshyn, V.E., Yazcheskye Priveski Drevnei Rusi X-XIV Vekov, Moscow, 2013, item M.2.02.2.12 grams, 20mm (3/4"). From a central London collection; previously in a European collection formed 1979-1989.[No Reserve] Very fine condition.
9th-11th century AD. A silver implement in the form of a small elongated spoon with deep dish, large plate handle in the form of two Jellinge entwined beasts with open curled mouths and sinuous double banded bodies; with lozenge-shaped suspension loop to the apex. Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.173, item 1; for the example found at Birka see the Swedish History Museum, Stockholm, accession number 34000; also cf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.XVII (13, 14), for the type.10.6 grams, 71mm (2 3/4"). From a central London collection; previously in a European collection formed 1979-1989. Commonly described as ear scoops, the high workmanship and sometimes expensive material, such as the silver-gilt example found at Birka, as well as the subject matter of the images on them, would suggest that they were used as spoons for dispensing medicines or psychotropic substances, or associated with the preparation of mead. This would tie in with the representation on the spoons of the Valkyrie holding a drinking horn of mead, an object that she traditionally welcomed a slain warrior with as they arrived at Valhalla. The meaning of their name, 'choosers of the slain,' refers not only to their choosing who gains admittance to Valhalla, but also to their choosing who dies in battle and using malicious magic to ensure that their preferences in this regard are brought to fruition. Examples of Valkyries deciding who lives and who dies abound in the Eddas and sagas. The Valkyries’ gruesome side is illustrated most vividly in the Darraðarljóð, a poem contained within Njal’s Saga. Here, twelve Valkyries are seen prior to the Battle of Clontarf, sitting at a loom and weaving the tragic destiny of the warriors (an activity highly reminiscent of the Norns"). They use intestines for their thread, severed heads for weights, and swords and arrows for beaters, all the while chanting their intentions with ominous delight. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
9th-10th century AD. A substantial silver figure of a maiden warrior modelled in the round, hollow to receive the end of a shaft; depicted standing with large bulging oval-shaped eyes, slender nose, small ears and mouth, long hair parted at the centre and knotted at the back of the head, forming a suspension loop, continuing to flow to the ground; wearing a long pleated dress decorated with two cross ornaments and annulets to either side; holding a large round shield in her left hand, and a sword held upright in her right; the shield decorated with a triskele formed of three scrolls radiating from a two-tier boss in the centre, with a ring-and-dot between; the silver content includes 11.5% gold by X-ray fluorescence. See Vang Petersen, P., Valkyrier og Bersærker. Mytologien i Smykkekunsten, in Madsen, P.K. (ed.), Danefæ. Skatte fra den Danske Muld, Copenhagen, 2010; see Gardela, L., ‘Warrior-women’ in Viking Age Scandinavia, A preliminary archaeological study in Analecta Archaeologica Ressoviensia, vol.8, Rzeszów, 2013.41.1 grams, 44mm (1 3/4"). Property of a European collector; acquired in 2013; previously part of a Belgian collection; formerly in the collection of Herr Erhard Richter since 1937; before that with Jörg Weber; accompanied by the original 1937 invoice; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10513-172106. This figure resembles a find from Galgebakke, Denmark, a similar silver figure holding a short sword and clutching a shield by the boss (Vang Petersen, item 4"). The Galgebakke figure is identified as female on the basis of the elaborate crested hairstyle, and an ankle-length dress with tiny feet beneath. The interpretation usually offered for this figure is that of a skjoldmø or 'shield-maiden', a female who takes up arms in pursuit of vengeance such as the legendary Hervor in Hervarar saga ok Heiðreks. Scholars used to interpret these armed females as valkyries - hand maidens of the god Oðinn - but the idea has been challenged recently (Gardela, 2013"). [A video of this lot is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Very fine condition, flaw to right cheek. Excessively rare.
5th-6th century AD. A silver-gilt plate brooch mounted on an iron carrier plate with pin-lugs and catch to the reverse; the octofoil facing plate with beaded wire rim, applied beaded wire scrolls and granules, four radiating triangular cells and a central lozengiform cell each set with a garnet cloison. Cf. Adams, N., Bright Lights in the Dark Ages. The Thaw Collection of Early Medieval Ornaments, New York, 2014, item 4.21, for type; Beck, H. et al., Fibel und Fibeltracht, Berlin, 2000, fig.169(2); Heynowski, R., Bestimmungsbuch Archaeologie: Fibeln, Munich, 2012, item 3.26.3.9.19 grams, 29mm (1"). From an important private Dutch collection; formerly in the collection of Dr. Hans-Ulrich Haedeke (1928-2017), author of ‘Schmuck Aus Drei Jahrtausenden’ and who became the director of the Museum of Klingenmuseum in Solingen, Germany, in 1968; the collection was formed in the early 1960s; accompanied by an independent specialist report and valuation by graduate gemmologist and jewellery expert Anna Rogers, GIA GG, BA, Gem-A, ref. no.169956/07/12/2020; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10456-169956. Very fine condition.
5th-6th century AD. A silver-gilt 'eagle' buckle and plate comprising: a domed D-shaped loop with stepped outer edge and running scrolls, each finial a profile eagle head with inset garnet(?) cabochon eyes; the tongue D-shaped in section with ribbed butt and beast-head finials, garnet(?) cabochon eyes; the hinged plate square with central garnet (replaced), running scrolls to the frame and inset garnet(?) cabochon to each corner; two opposed profile bird-heads to the trailing edge, each with an inset garnet(?) cabochon eye; six fixing holes. Cf. Menghin, W., The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, item I.8.11.88 grams, 11.5cm (4 1/2"). Ex N. Alexander collection, Brighton, UK, circa 1980. 'Eagle' buckles are typical of the period of Gothic dominance of the Black Sea region from the 3rd century onwards. Political control by the Goths was broken after their disastrous defeat by the Huns in the 5th century, but the area surrounding Crimea remained culturally distinct for centuries afterwards. Fine condition.
Early 7th century AD. A silver belt buckle of the 'eagle' type comprising: a shallow domed loop with band of running scroll ornament, two cells flanking the tongue-rest and two more to the ends, each with an inset black glass cabochon; hollow-formed trapezoid-section tongue with incised saltires to the rear lateral faces, hooked forward end, two lateral cells with black glass cabochons, the whole representing the head and beak of a bird of prey; square buckle-plate with hinge to the forward edge, cabochon in cell to each corner and scrolled bands between, central chip-carved rectangle with raised cell and inset red glass cloison, four attachment rivets; to the rear edge, a stylised eagle-head with black glass cabochon eye in a cell, chip-carved neck, short curved beak; bronze rear mounting plate with reinforcing strips to the edges; mounted on a custom-made display stand. Cf. Menghin, W., The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, item I.18, a similar find from Koreiz, Ukraine; see also the same volume, p.75, fig.4, for the full suite of metal dress fittings.223 grams total, 16.5cm (20cm including stand) (6 1/2 (8)"). Property of a London businessman; acquired from Kai Schmidt, Cologne, Germany, 2006; accompanied by a copy of the original invoice; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10335-168734. Buckles such as the one offered here constituted part of the displays of finery associated with wealthy females. The buckle belongs to the Gothic presence in the area of the modern Ukraine or Crimea. Fine condition.
6th century AD. A silver plate brooch with domed body and four radiating profile bird-heads; the plate dished to the reverse, the obverse set with eight wedge-shaped garnet cloisons surrounding a central disc; each bird-head with a large discoid garnet cloison eye and separate hooked beak and neck; old inked collector's reference 'MS/139' to the reverse. Cf. Menghin, W., The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, item V3.10.2, for a similar example.10.47 grams, 37mm (1 1/2"). From an important private Dutch collection; formerly in the collection of Dr. Hanns-Ulrich Haedeke (1928-2017), author of ‘Schmuck Aus Drei Jahrtausenden’ and who became the director of the Museum of Klingenmuseum in Solingen, Germany, in 1968; the collection was formed in the early 1960s; accompanied by an independent specialist report and valuation by graduate gemmologist and jewellery expert Anna Rogers, GIA GG, BA, Gem-A, ref. no.169957/07/12/2020; this lot has also been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10448-169957. Very fine condition.
12th-13th century AD. A substantial gilt-bronze Corpus Christi figure with inclined head, knee-length loincloth, feet resting on a rectangular plaque; detailing to the face, torso, cloth and feet, including red garnet cabochon eyes; pierced for attachment, remains of blue and green enamels; mounted on a custom-made stand. 322 grams total, 28.5cm including stand (11 1/4"). From the family collection of a UK gentleman, by descent in the early 1970s; previously acquired before 1960; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10450-170960. Limoges Corpus Christi figures were usually modelled wearing crowns in the 12th-13th century AD, until the latter part of the 1200s when the Church decided that it was no longer acceptable to depict Jesus as a crowned king. This cross is a rare example of the adaptation of an item made towards the earlier part of this period, when Christ would have worn a crown, and adapted towards the end of the 13th century, when the crown was clearly removed. Fine condition. Rare.
1575-1600 AD. A substantial gold finger ring with D-section hoop, high-relief scrolled foliage on a pounced field to the bezel and shoulders; cell with contemporary inset carnelian intaglio profile male bust possibly of Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, with radiate crown of an emperor in the classical style, of Italian workmanship. Cf. Scarisbrick, D., Rings: Jewelry of Power, Love and Loyalty, London, 2007, item 41, for this ring type with similar inset carnelian profile bust intaglio; see Goldstein, G., Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford (1550-1604), in Elizabethan Review for a summary of de Vere's life and works; see Webbe, W., A Discourse of English Poetrie, 1586, Puttenham, E., The Art of English Poetrie, 1589; and Peacham, H., The Compete Gentleman, 1622, for details of his literary works and connections.11.87 grams, 27.57mm overall, 22.02mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22) (1"). Found by Tomasz Krawczuk while searching with a metal detector near the River Colne, between Halstead and Hedingham Castle, Essex, UK, on 3 December 2018; declared as treasure under the Treasure Act, Treasure Case number 2018 T1046, and disclaimed on 12 March 2020; accompanied by copies of a letter from the British Museum, the treasure report, and the Portable Antiquities Scheme report number ESS-A69E73; an independent specialist report and valuation by graduate gemmologist and jewellery expert Anna Rogers, GIA GG, BA, Gem-A, ref. no. 8697/07/12/20; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10431-168697. The ring's find spot is in the area between the villages of Castle Hedingham and Halstead, a tract of land held from the time of the Norman invasion of the late 11th century by the de Vere family. This wealthy dynasty included several earls of Oxford and other notables. The castle was one of the de Veres' principal seats throughout the medieval period, but was sold off in 1625. One owner of the castle estate was Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford (12 April 1550-24 June 1604), who was a favourite at the court of Queen Elizabeth but was considered unsuited for any responsible office due to his volatile temper. He was a champion jouster, and travelled throughout France and Italy in pursuit of fame. He had literary ambitions and was noted for his love poetry and his work as a playwright, though none of his plays are known to survive. He was admired for his patronage of literary, religious, musical, and medical works. His family was associated with artistic endeavours of many kinds and supported troupes of actors known as Oxford's Men and Oxford's Boys; the former troupe mostly toured the provinces while the latter played at the Blackfriars Theatre, the lease of which was passed to John Lyly, secretary to the 17th Earl. William Webbe and George Puttenham each consider de Vere to be 'first' among Elizabeth I's courtier poets and there are a number his poems surviving in published form. An interesting aside concerns the association of Edward's name with the works of William Shakespeare by J. Thomas Looney, Shakespeare Identified in Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford. [A video of this lot is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Very fine condition. A large wearable size.
14th-15th century AD. A lead-alloy disc with lateral loops, low-relief image depicting the apocryphal story of pilgrims who venerated a bloody host; the host was alleged to have been tortured by local Jews, who supposedly pierced it with knives; after it started to bleed, the host was wrapped in a piece of cloth and hidden in a glass beaker under the floor of the synagogue; later the host was unearthed from the ground by a Christian priest; all of the objects from the story are pictured on the badge.Soon to be published in an academic paper on pilgrim badges by Dr. Jörg Ansorge, in the Journal of the Archaeological Society of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern [Archäologische Berichte aus Mecklenburg-Vorpommern], fig.10, item g, where nine known examples are recorded, this example being one of the best condition examples known; accompanied by a copy of the proposed plate/fig. 3.75 grams, 38mm (1 1/2"). Property of an East Anglian gentleman; previously in a private collection formed prior to 2000; originally from Güstrow, a town in Mecklenburg, a pilgrim site from 1330 AD until the Reformation. Very fine condition.
Pre-Classical Period, 12th-2nd century BC. A rock crystal mask with a human face with feline features emerging from the mouth of a jaguar, the teeth and fangs of the jaguar framing the human face. See Instituto Geologico de M?xico, Catalogo Geográfico de las especies minerales de M?xico, Boletin 41, M?xico, 1923; Westheim, P., The sculpture of Ancient Mexico, New York, 1963; Westheim, P., El Arte antiguo de Mexico, Mexico, 1970; Gribay Kintana A.M., Teogonía e Historia de los Mexicanos, Sepan Cuantos, Mexico, 1965; Palacios, M. L., La cultura Olmeca, Istituto Indigenista Interamericano, Mexico, 1965; Mirambell, L.E., Tecnicas Lapidarias Prehispanica, M?xico, 1968; Wise, T., The Conquistadores, London, 1980; Ward, F., Jade Gem, EUA, 1996; Ridinger, M.L., ‘El Jade’ in Arqueologia Mexicana vol. V, No 27 Septiembre-Octubre, pp.52-59, M?xico, 1997; Guilhem, O., ‘Los Animales en el mundo prehispanico’ in Arqueologia Mexicana vol.VI n.35, Enero-Febrero,, pp.4-15, Mexico, 1999; Mirambell, L.E., ‘Materiales Arqueologicos y material prima’, in Serie Arqueologia INAH, M?xico, 2005; Langenscheidt, A., ‘Los Abrasivos en Mesoam?rica’, in Arqueologia Mexicana vol. XIV, No 80 Julio-Agosto, M?xico, 2006, pp.55-60.2.89 kg, 21cm (8 1/4"). Property of an Italian collector living in Torino; part of her family's collection since 1965; by descent from her grandmother in 1993; accompanied by a copy of the Italian export permit and a signed academic report by Emilio J. Bejarano Erosa (Director of the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, Mexico, 1968-1982); also accompanied by a scholarly note TL5352 by Dr Ronald Bonewitz; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10282-168430. The absence of fastening holes suggests that the item here originally functioned as a funerary mask, depicting the jaguar god, the most important deity of the Olmec world. The face is typically Olmec from the pre-classical period. The headdress is formed as the upper-half of the jaguar's face, a distinctive custom of this culture. Although rock crystal is not very common in Olmec culture, other instances of its use have been unearthed during archaeological investigations. Just as the use of jade was rare, restricted to offerings made in association with high-ranking dignitaries, rock crystal was also highly valued for its beauty and the technical skill it took to work the material. Very fine condition, right ear repaired.
Post-Classical Period, 8th-12th century AD. A warrior's head in amethyst with a bird of prey headdress (condor), the bird of prey characterised by a pupil rendered with an engraved dot, the beak curved in the upper part, the plumage engraved on the eyes and in the upper part; a human face with elongated eyes to the inside, a slightly curved nose, a mouth with parted lips and a protruding upper lip, large discoidal earrings. See Instituto Geologico de M?xico, Catalogo Geográfico de las especies minerales de M?xico, Boletin 41, M?xico, 1923; Mirambell, L.E., Tecnicas Lapidarias Prehispanica, M?xico, 1968; Wise, T., The Conquistadores, London, 1980; Ward, F., Jade Gem, Boock Publishers, EUA, 1996; Ridinger, M.L., ‘El Jade’ in Arqueologia Mexicana vol. V, No 27 Septiembre-Octubre, pp.52-59, M?xico, 1997; Mirambell, L.E., Materiales Arqueologicos y material prima’, in Serie Arqueologia INAH, M?xico, 2005; Langenscheidt, A., ‘Los Abrasivos en Mesoam?rica’, Arqueologia Mexicana vol. XIV, no.80 Julio-Agosto, M?xico, 2006, pp.55-60.889 grams, 15.5cm (6"). Property of an Italian collector living in Torino; part of her family's collection since 1965; by descent from her grandmother in 1993; accompanied by a copy of the Italian export permit and a signed academic opinion by Emilio J. Bejarano Erosa (Director of the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, Mexico, 1968-1982); also accompanied by a scholarly note by Dr Ronald Bonewitz; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10274-168422. The instability of the period between 700-900 AD, caused by excessive warfare, drought, plague and climate change, caused most of the important Mayan cities in the south and central regions of the Mayan civilisation to go silent, their cities abandoned. The Mayan warrior culture was a hierarchical one, with elements of military costume, such as the item here, serving to assign 'rank' and a sense of belonging. Very fine condition.
2nd-1st century BC. A substantial gold ring with facetted and angled shoulders, raised bezel with everted rim set with finely-carved banded agate intaglio, the intaglio with god Jupiter (Greek Zeus) bearded and robed, seated on a chair with staff in one hand, eagle perched on the other. See Chadour, A.B., Rings: The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 65, for type.11.86 grams, 28.33mm overall, 19.98mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14) (1"). From the collection of a Japanese gentleman, deceased (1970-2010); collected in the 1990s; accompanied by an independent specialist report and valuation by graduate gemmologist and jewellery expert Anna Rogers, GIA GG, BA, Gem-A, ref. no. 171970/07/12/2020; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10517-171970. [A video of this lot is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Very fine condition. A large wearable size.
4th century AD. A gold ring with round-section hoop and oval bezel flanked by four flat 'beads', set with a garnet cabochon. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 221, for type.5.64 grams, 23.96mm overall, 20.02mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18) (1"). Ex Abelita family collection, 1970s-2000s. Very fine condition. A large wearable size.
4th century AD. A gold ring comprising a flat-section hoop with segmented outer face, raised bezel with inset carnelian intaglio engraved with an ant. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 483, for type.4.86 grams, 23.89mm overall, 18.19mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16) (1"). From the collection of a Surrey gentleman; acquired 1970-1980. Fine condition.
1st century AD. A gold finger ring with twisted wire hoop supporting an oval-shaped bezel with a border of granulated beads, set with a cut and polished carnelian(?) gemstone with intaglio Mercury standing left, caduceus in right arm, coin purse (marsupium) in left. See Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, Leeds, 1994, item 208, for type; cf. The British Museum, museum number 1923,0401.167, for a similar Hermes/Mercury stone; cf. Roberts, P., Life and Death in Pompeii and Herculaneum, London, 2013, p. 268, for an almost identical depiction of Mercury on a Roman gemstone.2.17 grams, 19.98mm overall, 18.33mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10) (3/4"). Ex Mr L.W. in 2005; formerly in an old private Israeli collection, since the 1990s. Very fine condition.
A Rowe Industries Model 610 DeArmond Wah Wah foot pedal, owned and used by Jimi Hendrix circa 1966 whilst on tour in the UK and in the first recordings he made in this country. Provenance: from the collection of 'roadie to the stars' and member of the Hendrix management team Tappy Wright. Documentation includes a printout of a newspaper cutting dated 1973 describing 'souvenirs of Jimi Hendrix' at Tappy Wright's house, a 2012 LOA with a signature from Tappy Wright detailing the history of the item, a printed picture of Tappy Wright holding the item, an information sheet on Tappy Wright, a copy of his book, a manuscript edition of the book. Also provided to the auction house is a video of Tappy Wright with the pedal.
18k Gold Art Deco Cartier Movado Ermeto Pocket Watch. A rare and fascinating item from the Art Deco era, this Movado for Cartier clock features both an ingenious design and the lasting quality that is synonymous with the Cartier name. Utilizing the "ermeto" design patented and marketed in 1926 by watchmaker Movado, this high polish yellow gold clock features a ribbed pattern case in a small pillow-shape that slides open when gently pulled on either end. As the clock opens, the sliding action winds the movement. Size Closed: 4.6 x 3.2 cmSize Open: 6.6 x 3.2 cm Overall Weight: 62.8 g / 40.4 dwt-All watches are sold for display purposes only. We cannot guarantee working order after item leaves premises.- All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted.
Antique Gilt Bronze/Porcelain KPM Porcelain Clock Set. Each piece with hand painted floral motif. Clock movement marked "Gustav Becker" and "Medaille Dior" on backside. Clock Dimensions (w/ Stand): 19.5 x 14.5 x 7 in. Garniture Dimensions: 18.5 x 11.5 in. - All clocks are sold for display purposes only. We cannot guarantee working order after item leaves premises.
Dot Barlowe (American, B. 1926) "Yap: Partnership of People & Nature" Original Mixed Media painting on Cold Press Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which appeared on the Federated States of Micronesia Stamp Sheetlet Yap - A Partnership of People & Nature issued December 15, 1993. "The land, not the man, is chief." This Yapese adage reflects the high esteem in which the citizens of the State of Yap hold their home. Cleverly making use of the natural bounty of the tropical archipelago, the Yap people fulfill many of their basic needs by employing the resources around them. Surrounded by a natural ring of coral reef, the island state of Yap is situated in the Pacific Ocean southwest of Guam. Often called "The Land of Stone Money," Yap is noted for the large stone coins which decorate most villages. Dating as far back as 125 A.D., stone money originated from the limestone quarries of Palau, a five-day canoe trip from yap. The tradition of weaving is kept alive by the product of lavalavas -- colorful woven fabric skirts. Additional weaving included the baby basket, baskets and handbags which are created entirely from indigenous natural fibers. Another practical item fashioned from the local flora is the Bamboo Raft, know as fafat in the Yapese language. For long journeys the wooden outrigger canoe was the most popular choice. Good soil the wooden outrigger canoe was the most popular choice. Good soil and proper cultivation resulted in food such as yams, Cyrtosperma taro, mango and other tropical foods. The marine life was another valuable source of nourishment for the inhabitants of Yap. Image Size: 19 x 15 in. Overall Size: 24 x 18.75 in. Unframed. (B14551)
Early 19th century pierced creamware dishes with plate: impressed 'Shorthose'. (4) There is a crack to one plate. Chipping to the paint work all over each item. Crazing is apparent. Small grazes are also evident. One handle on one basket has also been broken off and glued back on. 13cm tall. 25cm wide.
1930s art deco table top display cabinet with curved frontage and light up display. The item is in stable and functional condition apart from the electric component which requires a mew bulb and is also untested. The item has been well used therefore has a lot of scratches, knocks and bits of trim missing etc. It is the original glass in the cabinet. It is missing the top wooden section above the fold down door. 48 x 39 x 37cm
A FINE QUALITY SENIOR NCO'S SPORRAN, with engraved silver-plated cantle and two bells, black over white horsehair, the whole mounted in a glazed frame. The absence of a Condition Report does not imply that a lot is without imperfections. Please note carefully the exclusion of liability for the condition of lots contained in the Conditions of Sale.Being framed, the item is in excellent condition with crisp engraving and plating completely intact. The leather and horsehair, similarly in excellent condition.
A WWI TRENCH CLOSE FIGHTING MACE WITH WOODEN SHAFT, the lead end embedded with metal studs, the lead end impressed 'Gordon Highlanders 1917' The absence of a Condition Report does not imply that a lot is without imperfections. Please note carefully the exclusion of liability for the condition of lots contained in the Conditions of Sale.A rough and ready but original item, the shaft showing no signs of worm or other damage, the metal end firm and secure.
THE ULTIMATE GORDON COLLECTORS' ITEM: A WALL MOUNTED TOILET ROLL HOLDER WITH CAST MAKER'S PLATE 'GORDON TOILET FIXTURE', the wire frame and roller mounted on a polished oak backboard, together with a post 1952 Gordon Highlanders chrome plate and enamel car badge with bar mounting bracket. (2) The absence of a Condition Report does not imply that a lot is without imperfections. Please note carefully the exclusion of liability for the condition of lots contained in the Conditions of Sale.Both items in excellent condition.
A HM SILVER LETTER OPENER IN THE FORM OF A BASKET HILT BROADSWORD, very finely executed, Birmingham 1900. The absence of a Condition Report does not imply that a lot is without imperfections. Please note carefully the exclusion of liability for the condition of lots contained in the Conditions of Sale.A truly fine piece of miniature workmanship with exceptional detail to the basket hilt. Tarnished but when polished will be exceptional! It is not known if the item originally came with a scabbard but none present now which does not detract from the item itself.
A VERY RARE SCOTTISH PRICKER FOR FLINTLOCK PISTOLS IN THE SHAPE OF A DIRK, the pricker spike being hinged into the body, itself stipple engraved and banded.The absence of a Condition Report does not imply that a lot is without imperfections. Please note carefully the exclusion of liability for the condition of lots contained in the Conditions of Sale.In very good condition, the pricker itself completely intact, the body well constructed and showing little sign of wear or use. A very rare item.
OF SOE INTEREST: A 1943 HALF-CROWN CONCEALING A SCYTHE-LIKE BLADE, pivoted and slotted in the rim of the coin of the type issued to operatives of the Special Operations Executive. The absence of a Condition Report does not imply that a lot is without imperfections. Please note carefully the exclusion of liability for the condition of lots contained in the Conditions of Sale.Completely intact with both blade and coin showing minimal signs of wear. The pivot intact and working well, the whole with stains from handling. A very rare item
Loading...-
151070 item(s)/page