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Click here to subscribe1st century AD. A bronze bow brooch of kräftig profilierte type with coiled spring, D-section head and bow with ribbed collar and strut to the reverse, scooped foot with onion-shaped bulb finial, pin and catch to the reverse. Cf. Hattatt, R. Iron Age and Roman Brooches, Oxford, 1985 item 336. 32 grams, 55mm (2 1/4"). From a North West London collection; previously acquired in the 1980s. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
3rd century AD. A silver finger ring with keeled profile, inset discoid carnelian cloison with intaglio with goddess Fortuna (Greek Tyche) holding cornucopia and forked staff. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L. Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 182. 16 grams, 31mm overall, 21.86mm internal diameter (approximate size British Y 1/2, USA 12 1/4, Europe 28.2, Japan 27) (1 1/4"). From the collection of an Essex gentleman; acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s. Very fine condition. A large wearable size.
3rd century AD. A silver-gilt finger ring with narrow hoop, flared shoulders with segmented panels extending to scrolled border to the hoop, slightly domed plaque with intaglio vase with foliage and fruit. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L. Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 211 for type. 14.34 grams, 26.51mm overall, 20.23mm internal diameter (approximate size British U 1/2, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.59, Japan 22) (1"). From a private collection; formed 1965-1975. Fine condition. A large wearable size.
2nd century AD. A matched pair of gold earrings each a hemispherical dome with filigree volute scroll, hook-and-eye catch, dangle with red glass bead. Cf. Marshall, F.H. Catalogue of the Jewellery, Greek, Etruscan and Roman, in the Department of Antiquities, British Museum,London, 1911, item 2526 for type. 3.43 grams total, 26mm (1"). Property of a South West London gentleman; acquired by his father in the 1970s; by descent 1986. [2, No Reserve] Fine condition.
4th century AD. A bronze crossbow brooch comprising three onion-shaped knops attached to a triangular headplate with two holes, trapezoidal-section bow with beaded median band, rectangular footplate with chamfered edges, hinged pin and catch to the reverse. Cf. Hattatt, R. Brooches of Antiquity, Oxford, 1987, item 1265. 55 grams, 89mm (3 1/2"). From a North West London collection; previously acquired in the 1980s. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
2nd century AD. A silver plate brooch formed as a cross patté with pellets to the outer edge, white enamelled lobes and central red pellets; pin-lug to the reverse. Cf. Hattatt, R. Ancient Brooches and Other Artefacts, Oxford, 1989, item 1617 for type. 9.31 grams, 40mm (1 1/2"). Property of a Middlesex gentleman; acquired in the 1980s. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
3rd-4th century AD. A bronze crossbow brooch with three onion-shaped knops, angled cross-bar, trapezoidal-section bow with hatched median band, rectangular footyplate with chamfered long sides and notch detailing, hinged pin to the reverse. Cf. Hattatt, R. Brooches of Antiquity, Oxford, 1987, item 1265 for type. 38 grams, 72mm (3"). Property of a North West London gallery; formerly in a 1980s collection. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
3rd century AD. A carnelian cloison intaglio with grapes or leaves motif; set into a later gold finger ring comprising a flat-section hoop with beaded wire core, scrolled filigree to each shoulder, cell with beaded wire collar. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L. Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 208 for type. 4.36 grams, 23.03mm overall, 19.84mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 10, Europe 22.33, Japan 21) (1"). From a home counties collection; formed 1970-1980. Very fine condition.
2nd-3rd century AD. A gold finger ring comprising D-section hoop, lateral gusseted collars, facetted shoulders, hexagonal plaque with raised bezel, later inlaid niello crescent, star and radiating spokes. Cf. Chadour, A.B. Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 341. 9.14 grams, 24mm overall, 19.56mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20) (1"). From a North West London collection; previously acquired in the 1980s. Very fine condition.
2nd century AD. A bronze discoid plate brooch with pin and catch to the reverse, inset concentric rings of millefiori to the face. Cf. Hattatt, R. Iron Age and Roman Brooches, Oxford, 1985, item 522. 22 grams, 33.40mm (1 1/4"). Property of a Mayfair, London, UK, ancient art collector; acquired in the 1970s-1980s. Very fine condition.
1st-2nd century AD. A jasper cloison with intaglio standing Mars (Greek Ares) holding spear, shield and wreath; in a later hollow-formed gold finger with with tapering shoulders. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L. Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 202. 5.62 grams, 25.11mm overall, 19.15 x 17.78mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/2, Europe 15.76, Japan 15) (1"). Property of a Surrey collector; acquired in the early 1970s. Very fine condition.
4th century AD. A bronze crossbow brooch comprising three onion-shaped knops on a pierced headplate, deep bow with billets to the median face, rectangular footplate with chamfered edges, hinged pin and catch to the reverse. Cf. Hattatt, R. Ancient Brooches and Other Artefacts, Oxford, 1989, item 1676. 75 grams, 78mm (3"). Property of a North West London gallery; formerly in a 1980s collection. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
Early 3rd century AD. A fine blue-grey glass cloison with intaglio profile imperial bust, bearded and with laurel wreath, probably Emperor Caracalla (198-217 AD), with straight nose, furrowed brow, deep-set eyes and facial features as typically seen on his coinage; set in a rare iron finger ring bezel. Cf. Chadour, A.B. Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 146 for type; cf. Sear, David, Roman Coins and their Values II, Spink, 2002, no. 6828 (and others) for portraits on coins. 15 grams, 29mm (1 1/4"). Property of a Mayfair, London, UK, ancient art collector; acquired in the 1970s-1980s. In Roman times iron rings were worn by important people as they were very difficult and thus expensive to manufacture. Very fine condition.
2nd century AD. A carnelian cloison intaglio of two standing figures with spears; set into a later substantial gold finger ring comprising a D-section hoop with flat angled ribbed shoulders, discoid bezel. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L. Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 185. 19.14 grams, 26.07mm overall, 19.81mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 22.00, Japan 21) (1"). Private collection, home counties, UK; acquired before 1980. Very fine condition. A large wearable size.
3rd century AD. An agate cloison with intaglio Cupid with trumpet on a dolphin; set into a later gold finger ring with beaded wire edges, granules to the shoulders. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L. Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 208 for type. 6.20 grams, 21.54mm overall, 18.25mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 8, Europe 17.15, Japan 8) (3/4"). Property of a south London collector; acquired before 1980. Very fine condition.
2nd century AD. A bronze plate brooch with opposed triangular enamel-filled cells with pellet detailing, ribbed D-section finials, hinged pin and catch to the reverse. Cf. Hattatt, R. Ancient Brooches and Other Artefacts, Oxford, 1989, item 1592. 9.37 grams, 52mm (2"). From a North West London collection; previously acquired in the 1980s. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
Late 1st century BC-early 1st century AD. A mosaic glass pyxis in swirls of green, amber, blue and white glass with gold inclusions, squat jar with shallow lid and knop handle. See Whitehouse, D. Roman Glass in the Corning Museum of Glass, vol.1, New York, 1997, item 55 for technique (formerly Ray Winfield Smith Collection); and for similar examples see Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, accession number: 47.76; and Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number: 91.1.1335a, b; and Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, accession number: 99.454a-b. 107 grams, 72mm (2 3/4"). Property of a London gentleman; acquired by his father in the 1970s; thence by descent. This pyxis is exemplary of luxury Roman glassware. The gilded bands are composed of a layer of gold foil between two colourless layers, the coloured bands form between them the complete vessel. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Very fine condition. Extremely rare.
1st-2nd century AD. A tinned bronze disc brooch with openwork upside down heart-shaped scroll, sprung pin and catch to the reverse. Cf. Hattatt, R. Brooches of Antiquity, Oxford, 1987, item 1029. 17 grams, 42mm (1 3/4"). Property of a European gentleman living East of London; acquired before 2000. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
6th-7th century AD. A silver finger ring comprising a flat-section tapering hoop with hatching, 'CH?' legend to the shoulder, discoid bezel with central trident, surrounding legend '+ ??????????C' (personal name?"). Cf. Chadour, A.B. Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 489 for type. 5.99 grams, 20.34mm overall, 17.58mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.00, Japan 14) (3/4"). Property of a private collector; acquired before 1975. Fine condition.
6th-7th century AD. A silver finger ring comprising a round-section hoop, discoid bezel with incised monogram. Cf. Chadour, A.B. Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 489. 2.18 grams, 18.52mm overall, 15.58mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 9.00, Japan 8) (3/4"). Private collection, UK; formed in the 1980s. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
2nd-3rd century AD. A sheet silver bowl or patera with concentric rings to the base, everted rim, waisted handle with discoid finial; pointillé Greek inscription to the upper face, translated as Moukaporis, son of Apoukenthos, and his brothers, have consecrated this offering. This is in fulfilment of a pledge to the Syrian Goddess; lower Danube workmanship. 188 grams, 20.5cm (8"). From the collection of a European gentleman living in South London; acquired 1970-1980. The 'Syrian Goddess' is probably to be identified with Atargatis whose temple and cult at Hierapolis Bambyce are described by Lucian in the treatise ???? ??? ?????? ???? (On the Syrian Goddess), written in the 2nd century AD. Atargatis was a mother-goddess associated with fertility known throughout most the Greek and Roman world as the Syrian goddess. When Lucian was writing in the 2nd century AD, her temple was one of the largest in Syria and her cult had spread around the world, reaching Egypt, Macedon, Aetolia and Delos. She was favoured by Nero in Rome and was transported by Roman troops to Britain, with an altar from Hadrian's Wall, and the Danubian provinces. It is here, perhaps, that this bowl finds its place, for the names mentioned are characteristic of the lower Danube area, attesting the presence of the cult far from the goddess' Syrian home. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Very fine condition. Rare.
6th-7th century AD. A silver finger ring comprising a hoop with reserved running zigzag to the outer face, bezel of four lobes with pellets surround 'AE' monogram. Cf. Chadour, A.B. Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 490 for type. 3.70 grams, 22.13mm overall, 17.71mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7, Europe 15.61, Japan 15) (3/4"). From a private collection; formed 1965-1975. Fine condition.
5th century AD. A D-section silver hoop with scooped shoulders, rib detailing, trumpet-shaped bezel with low-relief knotted tendril motif. See Chadour, A.B. Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 429 for type. 13 grams, 29mm overall, 19.77mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 22.0, Japan 21) (1 1/4"). Property of a private collector; acquired before 1975. Fine condition. A large wearable size.
1st-3rd century AD. A substantial gold ring with hollow hoop widening to the shoulder; oval bezel with filigree border framing a jasper intaglio engraved with the bust of Serapis with sun and moon to either side; below, eagle with spread wings. Cf. Chadour, A.B. Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 156 for type. 10 grams, 30.23mm overall, 22.25mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z+1, USA 13, Europe 29.99, Japan 29) (1 1/4"). UK art market, acquired prior to 2000. The cult of Serapis was introduced during the third century BC on the orders of Ptolemy I of Egypt as a means to unify the Greeks and Egyptians in his realm. The god was depicted as Greek in appearance, but with Egyptian trappings, and combined iconography from a great many cults, signifying both abundance and resurrection. Serapis continued to increase in popularity during the Roman period, often replacing Osiris as the consort of Isis in temples outside Egypt. In 389 AD, a Christian mob led by the Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria destroyed the Alexandrian Serapeum, but the cult survived until all forms of pagan religion were suppressed under Theodosius I in 391 AD. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Very fine condition, intaglio chipped. A large wearable size.
6th-7th century AD. A bronze lamp with flared base, D-section bowl and nozzle, raised rim to the flat upper face, two pierced lateral lugs, loop handle to the rear with crescent reflector and small loop. Cf. Bailey, D.M. A Catalogue of the Lamps in the British Museum. IV. Lamps of Metal and Stone and Lampstands, London, 1988, item 3797 for type. 493 grams, 15.5cm (6"). From a European collection; previously in a German collection; acquired on the German art market before 1990. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
13th century BC. A bronze dagger with slender lentoid-section blade, hilt with socket to each face to accept an organic insert. Cf. Khorasani, M.M. Arms and Armour from Iran. The Bronze Age to the End of the Qajar Period, Tübingen, 2006, item 6. 168 grams, 34.5cm (13 1/2"). Ex Vincent collection, Berkshire, UK; formed since the 1970s. Fine condition.
13th century BC. A bronze dagger with broad lentoid-section blade, hilt with guard and columnar grip with ribbing, openwork D-shaped pommel. Cf. Khorasani, M.M. Arms and Armour from Iran. The Bronze Age to the End of the Qajar Period, Tübingen, 2006, item 6. 279 grams, 35cm (13 3/4"). UK art market, acquired prior to 2000. Fine condition.
1st century BC-1st century AD. A jasper intaglio with winged horse rearing; set into a later gold finger ring comprising a slender D-section hoop, rounded shoulders supporting a flared discoid bezel with flange rim. Cf. Chadour, A.B. Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 158. 4.66 grams, 24mm overall, 20.34mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.87, Japan 23) (1"). Property of a London gentleman; part of a Mayfair collection formed in the 1970s and 1980s. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Extremely fine condition. A large wearable size.
9th-11th century AD. A hand forged iron axehead with triangular-section blade, narrow neck widening to a broad bevelled edge with square chin, socket with small lateral flanges and long rectangular extension to the rear. Cf. Sedov, B.B. Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.XLIII, item 13. 851 grams, 19cm (7 1/2"). From the family collection of a London gentleman; formed in the late 1940s-1950s; thence by descent. Very fine condition.
10th century BC. A bronze dagger with tapering lentoid-section blade, lower guard with lateral flanges, recess to the grip to accept an organic insert. Cf. Khorasani, M.M. Arms and Armour from Iran. The Bronze Age to the End of the Qajar Period, Tübingen, 2006, item 9. 161 grams, 41cm (16"). Ex Vincent collection, Berkshire, UK; formed since the 1970s. Fine condition.
5th-8th century AD. An iron axehead, or francisca, for throwing with square rear edge, scooped upper face and curved edge; mounted on a custom-made stand. Cf. Nice, A. Revue Archéologique de Picardie: La Nécropole Mérovingienne de Goudelancourt-lès-Pierrepont (Aisne), Senlis, 2008, item S.311. 1.4 kg total, axe 15cm (6"). From the family collection of a London gentleman; formed in the late 1940s-1950s; thence by descent. Very fine condition. Very rare.
2nd-1st century BC. An iron spearhead with slender heart-shaped blade, thick midrib, flared closed socket. Cf. Stead, I. & Rigby, V. The Morel Collection. Iron Age Antiquities from Champagne in the British Museum, London, 1999, item Q15(4"). 124 grams, 28cm (11"). Property of a North West London gallery; formerly in a 1980s collection. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
1st-3rd century AD. A bronze spur with arched plaque, hexagonal-section pricket, attachment stud to each end. Cf. Allason-Jones, L. & Miket, R. The Catalogue of Small Finds from South Shields Roman Fort, Newcastle, 1984, item 3.686. 32 grams, 61mm (2 1/2"). From a North West London collection; previously acquired in the 1980s. [No Reserve] Fine condition, repaired.
1st century BC-2nd century AD. A lentoid-section lozengiform iron blade with sturdy neck, expanding closed socket with single slot for an attachment stud; mounted on a custom-made stand. Cf. Feugère, M. Weapons of the Romans, Stroud, 2002, item 178. 1 kg total, spearhead: 26cm (10 1/4"). From the family collection of a London gentleman; formed in the late 1940s-1950s; thence by descent. Very fine condition.
2nd-3rd century AD. An agate intaglio with Isis-Fortuna standing with cornucopia and ship's rudder; set into a later gold finger ring comprising a round-section hoop, rectangular cell bezel. 9.36 grams, 28mm overall, 23.18 x 18.42mm internal diameter (approximate size British W, USA 11 1/8, Europe 20.5, Japan 23) (1 1/8"). Property of a London gentleman; previously acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Extremely fine condition. A large wearable size.
10th-11th century AD. A ferrous prick spur comprising a C-shaped, D-section bow with slotted square terminals and conical pricket to the rear; the outer surfaces of the bow inlaid with fine strips of silver wire in the Tauschierung technique. Cf. Hammond, B. British Artefacts vol.2 - Middle Saxon & Viking, Witham, 2010, item 1.9-d. 61 grams, 14cm (5 1/2"). From the family collection of a London gentleman; formed in the late 1940s-1950s; thence by descent. Very fine condition.
9th-11th century AD. A hand forged iron axehead with triangular-section blade, narrow neck widening to a broad bevelled edge with curved chin and spur to the rear, socket with small lateral flanges and long rectangular extension to the rear. Cf. Sedov, B.B. Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.XLIII, item 13. 248 grams, 13cm (5"). Property of a North West London gallery; formerly in a 1980s collection. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.
2nd millennium BC. A tubular bronze cudgel with bands of raised ribs, fluted bulb to the shaft, pierced collar to the lower edge of the handle. Cf. Legrain, L. Luristan Bronzes in the University Museum, Pennsylvania, 1934, item 48. 221 grams, 15cm (6"). Ex Vincent collection, Berkshire, UK; formed since the 1970s. Fine condition.
17th-18th century AD. A steel vambrace with rings to the lower forearm for attachment of a mail sleeve; four fastening hasps, incised chevron pattern with gilt floral detailing. Cf. Mohamed, B. The Arms of the Muslim Knight, Milan, 2008, item 299 for type. 504 grams, 33.5cm (13 1/4"). From a London W1, UK, collection; acquired on the German art market before 2000. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
11th-13th century AD. A bronze prick spur with D-section curved band, collar to the pricket; vertical bands of latten or gilt ornament to the body and round the pricket. Cf. Clark, J. (ed.) The Medieval Horse and its Equipment, London, 2004, item 317 for type. 47 grams, 10.5cm (4"). Property of a North West London gallery; formerly in a 1980s collection. [No Reserve] Fine condition; terminals absent.
13th-15th century AD. A gold finger ring comprising a flat-section hoop with cell to each shoulder, inset emerald(?) cabochon and filigree collar, the bezel a filigree cell and openwork dome with granule apex enclosing an irregular emerald. Cf. Chadour, A.B. Rings: The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 563 for type. 10 grams, 35mm overall, 22.94mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z+2 1/2, USA 13 3/4, Europe 32.01, Japan 30) (1 1/2"). Property of a English gentleman; formerly the property of a European collector; acquired on the European art market 1970s-1980s. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Very fine condition. A large wearable size.
9th-11th century AD. An iron boar-spearhead with lentoid-section triangular blade, long neck, tapering socket with hole for an attachment pin, two lateral spurs; mounted on a custom-made stand. Cf. Arbman, H. Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, table 7 item 1. 1.07 kg total, spearhead 32cm (12 1/2"). From the family collection of a London gentleman; formed in the late 1940s-1950s; thence by descent. Very fine condition. Rare.
7th-8th century AD. A hollow gold tongue-shaped strap end with gussetted sidewall, beaded wire panels to the reverse, beaded border to the obverse with granule lozenges and bands; pierced twice for attachment to a belt or strap. See Wamser, L. Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 931 for type. 34 grams, 77mm (3"). From a European collection; previously in a large American collection formed in Chicago, Illinois, USA, in 1995; previously in the Mansees collection, formed 1950s-early 1990s. Extremely fine condition.
A superb example of Mocha Stone (dendritic agate), from India, exhibiting finely formed dendrites of manganese oxide, polished on all sides; in old card tray. Cf. Bonewitz, Dr. Ronald Louis Smithsonian Rock and Gem, (2008), p.230-1. 34 grams, 80mm (3 1/4"). From a historic ‘Victorian Museum’ collection; from the stock of Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd (1981-2014); formerly with Gregory, Bottley & Co. (1932-1981) and previously with J. R. Gregory & Co. (1898-1932); originally in the collection of the famous James Reynolds Gregory (1858-1898); with Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd identification card: 'MOCHA STONE (dendritic Agate) India'. This item is part of a historic collection of fossils and minerals which has recently been reviewed by leading geological expert Dr. Ronald Bonewitz. James Reynolds Gregory (1832-1899) was one of the principle London mineral and fossil dealers during the second half of the 19th century. The company he founded was one of the longest surviving geological suppliers in the world, second only to Kranz of Germany. In 1858 James Gregory established his business selling polished stones, minerals and fossils from premises in King William Street. A few years later he moved to premises in Golden Square, Soho. He won prize medals at exhibitions in Paris (1867), Sydney (1879) and London (1862 and 1883"). He also formed a superb collection of meteorites, which was later sold by his sons to the Natural History Museum, London. On the death of his father in 1899 Albert Gregory took over the business, dealing from premises in Kensington, then 30 Old Church Street in Chelsea. He eventually sold the company in 1932 to Percy Bottley, and after his death in 1982 the premises were sold. The company was then acquired by Brian Lloyd who had started the Natural History sales at Sotheby's before dealing from his own premises in Pall Mall. Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd, as it became known, traded from Ricket Street and later Seagrave Road in Fulham. In 2008 the business and all of the stock and Victorian cabinets were moved out of London to Walmer in Kent. On the eventual retirement of Brian and Mary Lloyd in 2014, with none of their family interested in taking over the business, the stock was sold and is now dispersed. Extremely fine condition. The finest possible example.
Early 4th century BC. An unusual variant of a Chalcidian helmet formed as a bronze bowl composed of two halves formed over a mould and connected by rivets through the crest and in the lower section through the overlap of one plate over its neighbour; carination to the crown and repoussé bands at the ear openings and brow; between the contoured brows a short nasal with rivet; to the rear a narrow flange neck-guard; the cheek pieces connected to the bowl by a five-part hinge, with two bushings per cheek piece, pierced at the lower edge for fastening and with bands of pointillé ornament; mounted on a custom-made stand. See Born, H. Die Helme des Hephaistos. Handwerk und Technik griescchischer Bronzen in Olympia, München, 2009 for discussion. 2.2 kg, 39cm including stand (15 1/4"). The property of a North West London collector; previously with Bonhams, sale 24251, lot 86; formerly acquired from a Viennese private collection; previously acquired on the Austrian art market in the 1990s; accompanied by a copies of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages. The present helmet is unusual in that its overall profile is of the Chalcidian type, its two-part construction is atypical. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Fine condition, restored. A scarce type.
6th-5th century BC. A bronze helmet of Chalcidian type with broad bowl, flared vents to the ears and flange extension to the rear, carination above the brow with raised arches above the eyes and flat nasal; lateral hinged crescent cheek-plates with scooped forward edge; mounted on a custom-made stand. See Egg, M. & Waurick, G. Antike Helme, Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum, Mainz, 1990, for discussion. 4.1 kg, 37cm including stand (14 1/2"). Property of a gentleman living in central London; previously in an old UK collection; acquired in the 1970s and 1980s. Accompanied by a report of metallurgic analytical report number 108831/554, written by Metallurgist Dr. Brian Gilmour of the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Very fine condition, some restoration.
9th-8th century BC. A two-piece helmet made from hammered sheet bronze with lateral seams, row of attachment holes to the lower edge, bowl with tall conical peak; mounted on a custom-made stand. 3.4 kg total, helmet: 38cm (15"). Property of a central London gallery; previously in a private collection since the 1980s, formally acquired on the UK art market. Possibly from the reign of King Shalmaneser III, ca. 859-824 BC. The Neo-Assyrian Empire is regarded as the first known substantial military power. Their army consisted of large units of cavalry and skilled archers. Mobile workshops and smiths produced vast quantities of arrows and spears that were required while on campaign. The royal palaces of Nineveh, Ashur, and Nimrud were adorned with reliefs depicting Neo-Assyrian troops including foot soldiers in similar pointed bronze helmets. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Fine condition, restored.
5th-3rd century BC. A bronze conical helmet with carination above the brim, bands of rivetting to the cone and sides; small ancient riveted repair to the front-centre. See Egg, M. & Waurick, G. Antike Helme, Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum, Mainz, 1990, for discussion. 861 grams, 23.5cm (9 1/4"). Property of a gentleman living in central London; formerly with Bonhams, London, sale 24098, lot 109; previously with Sakae Art Gallery, Nagoya, Japan; acquired in 1981; accompanied by a copies of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages. The Greek ????? was a conical felt cap without a brim, associated in popular culture with the Divine Twins (Dioskouroi), Kastor and Polydeukes. The helmet was used by the peltast light infantry troops, over the felt cap equivalent. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Very fine condition.
16th-17th century AD. A pair of beaten iron cuirass plates, the breastplate with pronounced vertical rib and two rivets to front, roll at neck and splay at base with rivets to full perimeter, with inked accession numbers '21238A' (crossed through) and 'SDM - EW1' above '1931 - 30 - 6, a' and inked hand-written paper label reading Old Spanish Armour (Conquistador) / Found with remains of Spanish Galleon on / the estate of Leakin family (Georgia) coast. / about 1870. Refer to Trinity College Hertford Ct. / for information in Leakin family. / Given originally to Mrs Mark Howden (Hartford Ct.) / [ ] when I was 7 years old. / Luke W Lee 1944 in eight lines and also with chalked Old Spanish Armour / from Georgia 1944 inscription in two lines; the backplate generally matching but with vertical groove at centre and no splay at base, with inked accession numbers '31238B' (crossed through) and 'SDM - EW1' above '1951 - 30 - 6, b'. See Calvert, Frederick, Spanish Arms and Armour, Madrid, 1907, for discussion; see also de Hoffmeyer, Ada, Arms and Armour in Spain, 1982. 3.5 kg total, 42cm tall (16 1/2"). Property of a distinguished American collector; formerly part of a famous Southern Californian museum collection, with accession numbers. Trinity College, Hartford was founded in 1823; further research in their archives could provide more information on this cuirass set and the site of the 'Spanish galleon' shipwreck discovered in about 1870. [2] [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Fine condition.
1st millennium BC. A gold finger ring comprising a slender flat-section hoop, scaphoid plaque with incised image of two addorsed horses with manes flying beneath and arch, running horse motif to the reverse. See Chadour, A.B. Rings: The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 66 for type. 1.60 grams, 19mm overall, 16.96mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.16, Japan 12) (3/4"). Property of a London gentleman; acquired by his father in the 1970s; thence by descent. Fine condition.
2nd millennium BC. A bronze sceptre finial in two parts comprising: bell-shaped lower section with tubular shank above and everted flange; finial formed as an openwork bifacial anthropomorph with ribbed collars to the body, figure with arms gripping horses(?) by the neck, bird-heads below flanking a second face, comma-shaped hips and convergent legs terminating in a scallop; modern wooden base. Cf. Moorey, P.R.S. Ancient Bronzes From Luristan, London, 1974, item BM108816, plate X(A"). 393 grams total, 38cm overall (15"). Property of a Guernsey collector; acquired in the UK in the early 1990s. Fine condition.
1st millennium BC. A high quality manufacture bronze short sword comprising a slender leaf-shaped blade with thick midrib and rounded point, integral crescentic guard with scooped lower faces, columnar grip and domed pommel with flattened end of the tang; the pommel with circumferential incised lines and arcade to the lower edge, alphabetic (?) inscription above. See Branigan, K. Aegean Metalwork of the Early and Middle Bronze Age, Oxford, 1974, item 246 for similar blade-profile. 567 grams, 45.5cm (18"). Property of a London gentleman; previously acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s. The inscription is enigmatic. It is not the standard type of cuneiform writing encountered on some bronze weaponry from e.g. ancient Luristan. Luwian ( both cuneiform and hieroglyphs) are also excluded based on the shapes of the characters. The forms present do not appear to be cursive but mainly rectilinear. The Mandaic script of the mid-1st millennium BC is one possibility, although it uses more cursive forms than can be seen on the pommel. Lycian, a language spoken in the eastern Mediterranean in the later 1st millennium BC, shares some characters with the present inscription, but by the time this language and script rose to prominence (around 500 BC) the use of bronze weapons was waning, replaced by iron technology. Fine condition.
2nd millennium BC. A bronze finial with bell-shaped base, tapering tubular shank, separately-cast opposed pair of ibexes; wooden base. Cf. Moorey, P.R.S. Ancient Bronzes From Luristan, London, 1974, item BM122911, plate XI(B"). 216 grams, 23cm including base (9"). Property of a Guernsey collector; acquired in the UK in the early 1990s. Fine condition.
2nd millennium BC. A bronze sceptre finial in two parts comprising: bell-shaped lower section with tubular shank above and everted flange; finial formed as an openwork bifacial anthropomorph with ribbed collars to the body, figure with arms gripping horses(?) by the neck, bird-heads below flanking a second face, comma-shaped hips and convergent legs terminating in a tubular finial; modern wooden base. Cf. Moorey, P.R.S. Ancient Bronzes From Luristan, London, 1974, item BM108816, plate X(A"). 427 grams, 31cm including base (12 1/4"). Property of a Guernsey collector; acquired in the UK in the early 1990s. Fine condition.
3rd millennium BC. A large serpentine cylinder seal with deeply carved frieze of two opposed seated figures with an amphora between them, band of smaller animals below. Cf. Collon, D. First Impressions. Cylinder Seals in the Ancient Near East, London, 2005, item 62 for type. 56 grams, 46mm (1 3/4"). London private collection; previously acquired 1950s-1970s. Very fine condition.
3rd century BC-5th century AD. The upper half of a male Nayarit culture ceramic statue, wearing cap with bands of net-pattern; earrings to both ears and multiple nose rings, small eyes and open mouth; hands raised to chest, sash around stomach; body and neck decorated with panels of geometric patterns in pigment; mounted on a custom-made stand. 11 kg total, 75cm including stand (29 1/2"). Property of an American gentleman; acquired 1970s-1990s. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Fine condition, some restoration.
2nd millennium BC. A large serpentine cylinder seal with two full-height figures engaged in combat separating two registers of friezes of animals and geometric ornament. Cf. Collon, D. First Impressions. Cylinder Seals in the Ancient Near East, London, 2005, item 192 for type. 64 grams, 47mm (2"). London private collection; previously acquired 1950s-1970s. Very fine condition.
3rd century BC-5th century AD. A large seated Nayarit culture male warrior figure, wearing a wrapped skirt with legs folded and holding a bowl in both hands with almond eyes and mouth slightly open; armlets to upper arms, multiple nose rings and earrings and necklace with crescent; the hair scraped back and flowing down the neck and with a lock each side taken back to a narrow hairband. 5.8 kg, 44cm (17 1/4"). Property of a distinguished American collector; formerly part of a famous Southern Californian museum collection. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Fine condition; some restoration.
Saite Period, 26th Dynasty, 664-525 BC. A large jasper amulet of the Ba, or soul, in the form of a hawk with human head; wearing a tripartite wig and false beard; engraved details to the feathers; suspension ring to the back. 20 grams, 35mm (1 1/2"). From a late 1990s private collection; formerly acquired on the UK art market in the early 1980s. In ancient Egypt an individual was believed to be composed of a number of spiritual components that today we would refer to as the soul. These included the Ka, or person's double, the Akh, or transfigured energy, and the Ba which was the part of the soul that could travel between the worlds of the living and the dead. The Ba required food and drink to survive in the afterworld, and so it would fly to the tomb chapel to partake of offerings left for the deceased by relatives. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Extremely fine condition.
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