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Click here to subscribeA Victorian hallmarked silver urn porringer. The urn having a pedestal base. The letters W. G. G. T engraved to the front. Hallmarked London, 1890. Makers mark John Henry Rowlings. This piece was always referred to as a porringer in the vendors family. Weight approx 222g. Item measures approx 8.5cm.
A Royal Doulton vase, together with other collectable ceramics, etc. CONDITION REPORTCondition of green pierced vase with elephant handles is fair. Notably, the item sports a chip or mark to the body, which to our eye appears to be a manufacturing defect, and there is also a chip on one of the feet as pictured.Condition of Royal Doulton vase is good. 25cm tall.Our team of trusted experts are on hand to help and always endeavour to provide an accurate judgement. The ultimate responsibility lies with the buyer however, and we recommend that you make every effort to inspect the lot yourself.To that end, we have provided a number of additional images for your attention.
A boxed reel of 10.5" Ampex audio tape, with box bearing a 'Cargo Studios' sticker and handwritten info 'THE FALL 16 T DRAGNET CCIR REPLAY NON DOLBY'. Also with a second reel with 'Regal Sound Recorders' label marked 'Blank'.Consigned directly from Mark E. Smith's personal collection by Mark's family.This item is sold as an artefact only, without copyright. Any reproduction is strictly prohibited.
CARAVAN - LP PACK. A fantastic pack of 10 LPs by Canterbury scene prog group Caravan. Titles include If I could Do It All Over Again, I'd Do It All Over You (SKL-R 5052, UK repress. Record Ex/ sleeve VG+), In The Land Of Grey And Pink (SDL R1, UK repress on red/ white label. Ex/ Ex), Cunning Stunts (SKL-R 5210), Canterbury Tales: The Best Of (DKL-R 8/1 & 8/2), Plump In The Night (SDL-R 12), The Unauthorised Breakfast Item (RRLP043), Blind Dogs At St Dunstans (BTM 1007), Waterloo Lily (6.23099), The New Symphonia (SML-R 1110) & S/T (2353 058). Condition is generally VG+ to Ex+.
Maisto - Aviator Collection - Helicopter Magazine - Matchbox - Corgi - Lledo. A selection of Twenty-four boxed and one loose item: Diecast models, DVD's appearing in VG to Excellent condition. Lot includes:Aviator Collection Air Combat p-51 Mustang vs. ME-109. #15061Tailwinds by Maisto. #34558 Endor AT-AT and similar. (This does not constitute a guarantee).
A YEWWOOD CORNER GUN SAFE, the single door is enclosing a green baize lining, that holds up to six guns, and one gun hold in the door, above another secure door with matching lining for accessories, with two keys to main door, and one key to door below, width 75cm x depth 39cm x height 191cm, please note: heavy item to transport (condition:-surface scratches, all three keys and locks work)
Decorative porcelain trays with a portrait of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and John F. Kennedy.White House Historical Association backstamp on base. This item has its original box. Boxes measure: 4.5 in. L x 4.5 in. W x 9.75 in. H. Dimensions: 4.25""W x 9.25""H""Manufacturer: The White House Historical AssociationCondition: Age related wear.
Political memorabilia; chocolate candy box with the presidential seal and Bill Clinton's signature.Commemorative pack of red, white, and blue-colored chocolate candy. Manufacture mark on the side. This item has its original box. Issued: Circa 1993-2001Dimensions: 2"L x 0.75"W x 4"HManufacturer: M&M and MarsCountry of Origin: United StatesCondition: Age related wear.
Cut copper dove with ‘Christmas 1982 The White House’ impressed on the front.Certificate of Authenticity included. This item has its original box: 5.75in x 5.25 x 0.5in. Issued: 1982Dimensions: 3.5""L x 3""HManufacturer: The White House Historical AssociationCountry of Origin: United StatesCondition: Age related wear.
24k gold finish hinged frame portrait of President Lincoln.‘The White House Christmas 1999' impressed stamp on the front. WHHA impressed stamp on the back. President Lincoln s impressed on the back. Certificate of Authenticity included. This item has its original box: 6in x 5.25 x 0.5in. Issued: 1999Dimensions: 2.5""L x 3""HManufacturer: The White House Historical AssociationCountry of Origin: United StatesCondition: Age related wear.
24k gold finish of the White House with ‘Christmas 1986 The White House’ impressed on the front.Certificate of Authenticity included. This item has its original box: 6in x 5.25 x 0.5in. Issued: 1986Dimensions: 3.25""L x 1.5""HManufacturer: The White House Historical AssociationCountry of Origin: United StatesCondition: Age related wear.
24k gold finish of the White House Doors with ‘Christmas 1987 The White House’ impressed on the front.Certificate of Authenticity included. This item has its original box: 6in x 5.25 x 0.5in. Issued: 1987Dimensions: 2.5""L x 4""HManufacturer: The White House Historical AssociationCountry of Origin: United StatesCondition: Age related wear.
24k gold finish of President Jackson's children; ‘Christmas 1988 The White House’ impressed on the front.Certificate of Authenticity included. This item has its original box: 6in x 5.25 x 0.5in. Issued: 1988Dimensions: 3""L x 3""HManufacturer: The White House Historical AssociationCountry of Origin: United StatesCondition: Age related wear.
24k gold finish of President Van Buren Blue Room; ‘Christmas 1990 The White House’ impressed on the front.Certificate of Authenticity included. This item has its original box: 6in x 5.25 x 0.5in. Issued: 1990Dimensions: 3.25""L x 3""HManufacturer: The White House Historical AssociationCountry of Origin: United StatesCondition: Age related wear.
Pamphlets and bronze coins marking historical events in U.S. history from each year ranging from 1776 to 1975.Each coin contained in plastic sheathing and inserted onto red backed trays, which slide into wooden slotted case. Historical reference folders or pamphlets are printed on blue paper with deckled edges and come with blue box. Wooden case dimensions: 11.75"L x 15"L x 6.5"H. Pamphlet box dimensions: 6"L x 4"W x 7.5"H. This item has its original box. Manufacturer: The Franklin MintCountry of Origin: United StatesCondition: Age related wear.
Cruise liner collection includes menus, passenger lists, logs, entertainment programs, and a Western Union Telegraph addressed to a passenger dated 1927. The R.M.S. Caronia was a world famous British transatlantic passenger ship of the Cunard White Star Line. Total items: 22. Largest item measures: 7.5"L x 5.5"W. Issued: ca. 1927Condition: Age related wear.
U.S. Air Forces, U.S. Army issue handheld averaging navigational sextant. Marked type: A-10A, with serial number: AF44-11220. Includes Kit-Plastic Disc. Fairchild backstamp.This item has its original wooden case with dimensions of: 9.25 in. L x 9 in. W x 5.5 in. H. Dimensions: 6"L x 5.75"W x 4.25"HManufacturer: Fairchild Camera And Instrument CorporationCountry of Origin: United StatesCondition: Age related wear. Untested.
Designed to provide the navigator accurately and rapidly with the true heading of the aircraft, true bearing of a distant object, and the relative bearing of a distant object. Sperti Inc backstamp.This item has its original instructions booklet and wooden case with dimensions of: 10 in. L x 5 in. W x 6 in. H. Dimensions: 5"L x 4.25"W x 8.25"HManufacturer: Sperti Inc. and W.W. Boes Co.Country of Origin: United StatesCondition: Age related wear. Untested.
Ca. 323-31 BC. A stunning gold ring with its massive and flaring body is beautifully adorned with a ribbed band, and its shoulders are decorated with foliate designs. The borders are embellished with fine circles, and the large bezel is set with a single garnet cabochon, framed by a sixteen-petaled flower. The garnet cabochon is the centerpiece of the ring, and its captivating deep red hue truly stands out. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. This analysis will accompany the purchase.Size: D: 17.32mm / US: 7 / UK: N 1/2; 16gProvenance: Private London collection; British art market 1990s.
Ca. 300 BC. A finely modelled skyphos from the Gnathia region of Magnia Graecia. It is made from light brown clay, which has been covered with a rich black gloss. The vase has a large, tapering body which rests on a small, undecorated foot, and there are two small handles attached to either side. The front central decorative panel features a vine branch with leaves and fruits between the handles on both sides. The reverse features the same row of white and yellow tongues at the rim, bordered in turn by two thin parallel lines. Three hanging white tendrils flank two gold dot-rosettes. For a similar, see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Item 1971.11.2. This piece has been precisely dated by means of a Thermo Luminescence analysis carried out by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. The TL certificate with its full report will accompany this lot. Please note: The item on the right in the last picture is not for sale and is there to provide an accurate representation of the size of the skyphos. Size: L:270mm / W:382mm ; 2.8Kg Provenance: Private London collection; previously with Edmund Bourke, MD., Yonkers, NY.; ex. Ye Olde Curiosite Shoppe, Arnold Saslow, South Orange, NJ., 6/25/2005.
Pre-Dynastic, Ca. 3500-3000 BC. A rare piriform alabaster mace head with a cylindrical drill hole in the centre for attachment to a wooden handle. Maces were extensively used in Egypt and neighbouring Canaan from the middle of the 4th millennium BC to the middle of the 3rd. Using the mace required a rather great physical force. Item comes with a professional historical report from Ancient Report Specialists. Size: L:200mm / W:100mm ; 505gProvenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly in the collection of Dr. Bruce L. Ralston, Tuxedo Park New York; Dr. Ralston assembled a large collection during the 1960s and 1970s; accompanied by a copy of the 1973 receipt.
Amarna Period, ca. 1353-1336 BC. A gold amulet in the form of a lotus petal featuring a delicately formed suspension loop on the top. This amulet has a round face, with the bottom tapering into a point to create a teardrop shape which is connected to a lotus petal. This item is in wearable condition and it comes with a modern necklace cord. Cf. Florence, D. F.; Gifts of the Nile: Ancient Egyptian Faience, p. 86, for related lotus amulets.Size: L:24.2mm / W:8.6mm ; 3.39gProvenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1990s.
Ca. 300-100 BC. A rare pendant in the shape of an amphoriskos - amphoriskoi (from Greek, "small amphorae") were small jars with two handles that were used for perfume or toilet oil in Greek and Roman time. The body of this amphoriskos pendant is made of dark glass decorated with a fish scale decoration pattern in a dark gold colour. The lip, neck, handles, shoulder, and the lower body of the amphoriskos are made of gold; a loop is attached at the bottom of the amphoriskos in place of the foot; excellent condition, wearable. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. It also comes with a gemmological and historical report by an independent specialist Anna Rogers.Size: L:68mm / W:17mm ; 15.5g.Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s in Belgium; previously in a 1970s European collection.
Ca. 100-200 AD. A gold signet ring of a smooth, round band with bezel enclosing red hardstone intaglio engraved with a depiction of facing left, standing figure of Minerva (identified with the Greek Athena). She wears a long dress with beautifully flowing folds and crested helmet. In Roman mythology, Minerva is the goddess of wisdom and warfare, but also patron of arts and crafts. She is probably a goddess of Etruscan origin. Along with Jupiter and Juno, she formed the Capitoline Trinity. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. This analysis will accompany the purchase.Size: D: 17.35mm / US: 7 / UK: O; 5.97gProvenance: Property of a London Ancient Art Gallery; formerly in the famous Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; acquired between early 1960s to 1990s.
Ca. 300 BC. A stunning bracelet composed of gold coiled tubes woven together with gold wire and secured with a pin. The bracelet is further embellished with filigree and gold beads. Its intricate pattern, delicate details, and exquisite workmanship make it an eye-catching and unique piece. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. This analysis will accompany the purchase.Size: L:83.3mm / W:7.4mm ; 9.09gProvenance: Private London collection; British art market 1990s.
Ca. 100-300 AD. A stunning silver ring of a round, flat-section hoop and a gilded bezel setting embellished with four corner knobs. It is set with a carnelian intaglio of the Roman goddess Minerva (Greek Athena). Minerva was the goddess of wisdom, war, and the arts. Here she is depicted in a standing pose on a groundline, flanked by two short columns. She is portrayed robed, wearing her iconic Corinthian helmet, and holding a shield. The wearing of this type of ring was an act of veneration towards the goddess, as well as a powerful statement of the wearer’s own strength and wisdom. The heightened status of Minerva in ancient Roman culture is evident through the use of her imagery in jewelry, coins, and other artifacts. Minerva was seen as the patron goddess of Rome and a symbol of the city’s wealth. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. This analysis will accompany the purchase.Size: D: 16.51mm / US: 6 / UK: M; 5.61gProvenance: Private London collection; British art market 1990s.
Ca. 300-400 AD. A beautiful double balsamarium crafted from blue glass. The vessel is composed of two conjoined tubular phials with slightly flared and thickened rims and encircled with applied decorative trailing that adds a sense of texture and depth to the piece. The double design of the balsamarium also adds a functional aspect to its form, allowing it to hold two different oils or perfumes at once. Balsamariums were a common item in the Roman world, and they were used to hold and dispense various oils and perfumes for personal hygiene and religious purposes. These vessels were often made from glass, which was a popular material in the Roman world due to its transparency, durability, and versatility.Size: L:103mm / W:46mm ; 70gProvenance: Private UK collection; From an old London collection formed in the 1990s.
Ca. 100 AD. An iron pugio, or squat triangular dagger with a midrib and rivet holes to accept a handle. This dagger comes with its beautiful scabbard complete with tassel-like ornaments, and a round chape. The pugio was a sidearm used by Roman soldiers as well as by civilians such as senators or other prominent citizens for self-defense. The weapon is best suited for short, stabbing motions, which would have deadly effects. This item has been restored.Size: L:425mm / W:105mm ; 535gProvenance: Private UK collection; From an old London collection formed in the 1990s.
Ca. 100-300 AD. A gold signet ring of a smooth, round band with applied bezel set with red hardstone intaglio engraved with a depiction of facing right, standing figure of Minerva (identified with the Greek Athena). She wears a long dress, crested helmet and holds a shield and a lance. In Roman mythology, Minerva is the goddess of wisdom and warfare, but also patron of arts and crafts. She is probably a goddess of Etruscan origin. Along with Jupiter and Juno, she formed the Capitoline Trinity. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. This analysis will accompany the purchase.Size: D: 18.80mm / US: 8 7/8 / UK: R 1/2 ; 8.43gProvenance: Property of a London Ancient Art Gallery; formerly in the famous Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; acquired between early 1960s to 1990s.
Ca. 200 AD. A silver kylix with a hemispherical bowl resting on a concave foot and two equally spaced loop handles. Decorated on the exterior with circumferential grooves just below the rim. Item comes with a professional historical report from Ancient Report Specialists.Size: L:60mm / W:170mm ; 275gProvenance: Private London collection (B.A.); formerly acquired in the 1970s from John Lees collection.
Ca. 100-300 AD. A rare gold, heavy signet ring composed of a round, flat-section hoop with expanded and carinated shoulders; bezel containing a carnelian intaglio depicting a hunting scene of a huntsman on horseback preparing to kill with a spear a running animal. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements.Size: D: 16.51mm / US: 6 / UK: M; 19.13gProvenance: Property of a London Ancient Art Gallery; formerly in the famous Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; acquired between early 1960s to 1990s.
Ca. 100-300 AD. A gold finger ring of carinated, round-section band tapering to the back. Bezel set with an emerald stone. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. This analysis will accompany the purchase.Size: D: 14.15mm / US: 3 1/8 / UK: F 1/2; 2.69gProvenance: Property of a London Ancient Art Gallery; formerly in the famous Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; acquired between early 1960s to 1990s.
Ca. 200-300 AD. A large and impressive 23K yellow gold ring with a remarkable carved intaglio of cream and red agate reveals a stunning side portrait of a young male. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. This analysis will accompany the purchase.Size: D: 18.19mm / US: 8 / UK: Q; 17.06gProvenance: Private London collection; Previously with I.G.; acquired from an East Coast, USA collector prior to 1979.
Ca. 100-300 AD. A lovely gold pendant of a spherical body with a ribbed suspension loop and filigree adornments. Gold jewellery played a significant role in the Roman world, and was a symbol of wealth and power. It was used to decorate the clothing of the wealthy, and it was often made with intricate designs, incorporating images of gods and goddesses, animals, and other symbols of the Roman world. This item is in wearable condition and it comes with a modern necklace cord.Size: L:15.5mm / W:13mm ; 4.85gProvenance: Private London collection; British art market 1990s.
Ca. 100-300 AD. A stunning matched pair of gold earrings, each comprising a gold hook attached to a round setting with a large garnet cabochon framed with intricate ropework and filigree decoration. Three wired pendants with pearl beads hang from below the horizontal bar, which is secured to the lower edge of the garnet plaque. These beautiful pieces of jewelry would adorn the ears of women who were members of noble families. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. This analysis will accompany the purchase.Size: L:36.8mm / W:17.7mm ; 6.12gProvenance: Private London collection; British art market 1990s.
Ca. 200-300 AD. A gold ring of faceted, flat-section band tapered to the rear. Bezel contains a stone intaglio depicting a bust of Sol Invictus wearing a radiate crown. Sol Invictus - Unconquered Sun - Roman syncretic deity, combining the features of the Roman solar god Sol and the Indo Mithra. The cult was introduced by Emperor Aurelian in 274 AD. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. This analysis will accompany the purchase.Size: D: 15.04mm / US: 4 1/4 / UK: I; 6.68gProvenance: Property of a London Ancient Art Gallery; formerly in the famous Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; acquired between early 1960s to 1990s.
Ca. 100-300 AD. A gold finger ring with expanding hoop, angled and facetted shoulders. Bezel is set with an oval carnelian intaglio engraved with a Cornucopia - the horn of plenty - the symbol of prosperity, abundance, and nourishment. Usually depicted as a horn-shaped vessel overflowing with fruits and vegetables. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. This analysis will accompany the purchase.Size: D: 14.65mm / US: 3 3/4 / UK: H; 6.31gProvenance: Private London collection; British art market 1990s.
Ca. 100-300 AD. A gold ovoid pendant plaque, with ribbed suspension loop, filigree, and finely decorated edge. Central cell with carnelian cloison. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. This analysis will accompany the purchase.Size: L:38mm / W:22mm ; 6.6g.Provenance: Property of a London Ancient Art Gallery; formerly in the famous Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; acquired between the 1980’s.
Ca. 100-200 AD. A beautiful blown flask with an ovoid-shaped body, funnel-shaped neck with ribbed horizontal decoration, and two vertical trailed handles. Good condition, beautiful iridescence. The accretions (also known as 'weathering crusts') that are visible on the vessel are a result of age – the item has spent hundreds of years in the ground – and chemical reactions with the soil in which it was buried. While glass-making had been practised for centuries, the Romans invented the glassblowing technique in the 1st century BC, which revolutionized this craft. Roman glassmakers reached incredible artistic heights with both free-blown vessels and mould blown forms and decorations. To find out more about glass objects in the Roman world, Bayley, J., Freestone, I., & Jackson, C. (2015). Glass of the Roman World. Oxford And Philadelphia: Oxbow Books. Fleming, Stuart J. Roman Glass: Reflections on Cultural Change. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Museum, 1999.Size: L:130mm / W:83mm ; 99.6gProvenance: From the private collection of an Essex gentleman; previously in an old British Collection, formed in the 1980s.
Ca. 100-200 AD. A matched pair of gold earrings, each with a shield embellished with a small floral design and framed by gold wire with a hook and eye closure. Below each hoop is a cluster made of gold spheres. For a similar pair, see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number: 74.51.3741. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. This analysis will accompany the purchase.Size: L:35.4mm / W:14.7mm ; 8.48gProvenance: Private London collection; British art market 1990s.
CA. 100-200 AD. Nicely carved Centurion with helmet, facing left in a carnelian intaglio of 20K gold, nicely detailed. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. This analysis will accompany the purchase.Size: D: 14.65mm / US: 3 3/4 / UK: H; 3.61gProvenance: Private London collection; Previously with I.G.; acquired from an East Coast, USA collector prior to 1979.
Ca. 200-300 AD. A rare and beautiful bronze open-work plate brooch, also known as a "Wheel of Fortune" due to its unique wheel shape. The brooch is composed of a bronze wheel featuring radiating, pointed arms that intersect in the center of the wheel. In the center, the wheel is embossed with a detailed depiction of the Sun symbol, which can be seen in multiple cultures and religions as a representation of life and rebirth. Cf. Richard Hattatt, A Visual Catalogue of Richard Hattatt's Ancient Brooches, Oxbow Books, 2000, p. 357, item 1626.Size: L:36.1mm / W:35.4mm ; 9.78gProvenance: Private London collection; British art market 1990s.
Ca. 200-300 AD. A finely rendered gold disc-shaped pendant, hammered from thin gold with a suspension loop. This piece is fully wearable and it comes with a modern necklace cord. The sun stands for Sol Invictus (Latin for "Unconquered Sun"), a major divinity in Late Roman religion. Sol Invictus was a patron of soldiers and became part of the official state religion in AD 274 under Emperor Aurelian. The cult continued into the 5th century as St Augustine felt it necessary to preach against Sol to his Christian congregation. The connection between Sol and soldiers means that this item may well have belonged to a Roman legionary, who wore it in hope of protection during military campaigns.Size: L:18.6mm / W:16.1mm ; 2.94gProvenance: Private UK collection; From an old British collection formed in the 1990s.
Ca. 100 AD. A bronze openwork brooch plaque featuring “war trumpet” terminals with a still-preserved catch plate on the reverse (the pin is missing). Brooches were an important element of Roman dress, used to fasten clothing but they also served as dress accessories in their own right. Thousands of different types and subtypes of Roman brooches are attested, and they seem to have played an important role in Roman people’s self-expression. Cf. Richard Hattatt, A Visual Catalogue of Richard Hattatt's Ancient Brooches, Oxbow Books, 2000, p. 357, item 1621.Size: L:21.6mm / W:35.5mm ; 11.64gProvenance: Private London collector, acquired on the Austrian Art market, formerly in an old USA collection formed since the 1970s.
Ca. 100-300 AD. A beautifully formed one-piece gold ring with broad shoulders tapering into the band and a large bezel finely engraved with a portrait of a noble lady, possibly a member of the imperial family. She is depicted facing to the right and wearing a stephane, a type of wreath made from either metal or waxed cords and originally used to signify high status. Her hair is exquisitely braided, adding a further touch of elegance to the piece. Fashion styles for Roman women during the imperial era were often highly ornate, with clothing often featuring intricate embroidery, precious stones, and other luxurious adornments. Hairstyles were often elaborate, with styling methods such as braiding, plaiting, curling, and crimping all popular. Hair would be decorated with ribbons and wreaths, such as the stephane. Jewelry was also highly fashionable during the imperial era, with gold jewelry, including rings and earrings, being particularly popular. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. This analysis will accompany the purchase.Size: D: 16.00mm / US: 5 3/8 / UK: K 1/2; 12.4gProvenance: Private London collection; British art market 1990s.
Ca. 100-300 AD. A gold ring formed of a round hoop with a carinated profile, which adds depth and dimension to the design. The shoulders of the ring gently expand to support an oval-shaped bezel cell, which is set with a stone intaglio with engraving that depicts a standing figure of God Mercury (Greek Hermes). In the image, Mercury is holding a money bag in his left hand, which is a symbol of his role as the god of commerce and financial gain, and in his right hand, he holds kerykeion, a staff with two serpents entwined around it, topped with a pair of wings and sometimes a globe. It is said to have the power to bring peace and healing, but also to cause destruction and death. Mercury was also the messenger of the gods, and he was known for his speed and agility. He was also associated with travel and communication, and he was often portrayed wearing a winged hat and sandals. He was believed to be able to move freely between the world of the gods and the world of mortals, which made him an important figure in both mythology and religious practice. For a similar depiction of Mercury, see Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, Item Number 81.79H/4.10.Size: D: 15.40mm / US: 4 5/8 / UK: J; 9gProvenance: Private London collection; British art market 1990s.
Ca. 100-300 AD. An eye-catching bronze brooch shaped like a bird with an elongated body and sloped sides, decorated with a concentric circles design. It has two long, rectangular-shaped plaques, which serve as its legs. It also has fanning tail, a head with a beak, and large, attentive eyes. The overall design is a stunning combination of delicate curves and subtle details, which is an excellent reflection of the artistry of the remarkable craftsmanship of the Roman period. Cf. Richard Hattatt, A Visual Catalogue of Richard Hattatt's Ancient Brooches, Oxbow Books, 2000, p. 361, item 1159.Size: L:23mm / W:36.8mm ; 6.93gProvenance: Private London collector, acquired on the Austrian Art market, formerly in an old USA collection formed since the 1970s.
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