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Lot 138
A rare early Ming Chinese wood carving Guan-Yin and child showing traces of colour, the Goddess of Compassion standing on a writhing dragon emerging from the turbulent waters of the sea, her right hand holding a prayer bead, her left hand a bottle from which water pours out into the sea, her head surrounded by a flaming mandorla and wealth bringing boy Sudhana to her left, 48cm (h) Est £200 - £300
Lot 405
East Indian Railway Opened to Rajmahal, 1860, a rare silver medallion, unsigned (after W. Wyon, Calcutta), coronetted bust of Victoria left, rev. the East Indian Railway…George Turnbull, etc, engraved to the rim G Thomas, Assistant Engineer Bengal October 15th 1860, 73mm (diam) minor knocks to the, otherwise good very fine - £250-350
Lot 1626
A rare Victorian Selsey Lifeboat RNLI silver medal, to James Lawrence, voted 6th May 1886, in case, with accompanying black and white photographs; and 'The Story of the Selsey Lifeboats' booklet. James Lawrence, nicknamed 'Pilot' was coxswain of the Selsey Lifeboat from its establishment in 1861 and carried on that role for 25 years. He was born in Selsey in 1844 and was father to ten children, he died in 1916.
Lot 48
A rare 18ct gold and enamel set pendant medal adorned with the light infantry coat of arms with latin inscription. To the verso engraved : Presented by the Right Worshipful The Mayor of the City of Bradford to Mr W.P. Snow - Midland Railway Station Master Bradford. On behalf of a few friends as a token of esteem and respect on his leaving for London Friday October 13th 1899. Stamped 18 with the makers initials BHJ for Barnet Henry Joseph mark. Total weight 17.4g
Lot 279
A rare French second World War set of games released to mock Hitler & Goring. Each in fabulous condition with the notation :attention V1 à l'intérieur, Danger, Manufacture enfantine, Engins surprise " et " Hitler, finis les discours, on tente la chance à son tour" " Tout passe et repasse, V1 , Solitaire loin des foules, Hitler devient passe boule, lancé d'un geste sec, son V1 doit lui clouer le bec." Sur la tranche rouge est écrit : " Surprises actualités, le bonheur des enfants , satisfaction des parents, Soyez Adroit".
Lot 1
GREAT WAR - A RARE COLONIAL WEST AFRICAN TOGOLAND 'TRENCH ART' DESK STAND the rectangular base mounted with a coconut shell and inlaid with bone French and British Union flags, plaques inscribed 'TOGO 1914-15', 18cm long. Togoland - After calling on the German colony to surrender on 6 August 1914, French and British troops invaded unopposed the next day. No military personnel were stationed in the protectorate. The colony surrendered on 26 August 1914 and on 27 December 1916 Togoland was separated into French and British administrative zones. Following the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles, on 20 July 1922, Togoland formally became a League of Nations Class B mandate divided into French Togoland and British Togoland, covering respectively about two-thirds and one-third of the territory.
Lot 196
DIE UNTERSEEBOOTE DER GERMANIAWERFT; A rare pre-Second World War (1923) 2nd edition ' Die Unterseeboote Der Germaniawerft ' German submarine / Uboat building manual / plan book. Featuring several fold out plans for Submarines. In German, hardback. Blue covers, submarine emblem to front. Berlin, 1923.
Lot 323
LOWE (E. J.), Beautiful Leaved Plants, 1864, coloured plates, half calf (rubbed); New and Rare Ferns, 1871, coloured plates, cloth gilt; British Grasses, 1865, faded cloth; SOWERBY (J. E.), The Ferns of Great Britain, 1855, coloured plates, original cloth, faded; and British Poisonous Plants (5)
Lot 2131
69-70 AD. Ephesos mint. Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG COS II TR P PP legend with laureate head right. Rev: LIBERI IMP AVG VESPAS legend below, clockwise from lower right, and above, clockwise from upper left with bare head of Titus right, facing bare head of Domitian, left; upright Phi in centre. RIC 1418. See Wildwinds.com (this coin"). 2.33 grams. Good fine. Very rare.
Lot 214
3rd century AD. A D-section heavy solid gold hoop expanding towards the carinated shoulders, with facets to the upper face, discoid plaque with intaglio text '???????' (from the town) of Chalcis. Property of a West Midlands, UK, collector; acquired on the UK art market 1990s. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L. Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 230. Chalcis or Chalkida is the main town of the island of Euboea, Greece. The town is mentioned in the Iliad (2.537) and was used by Antiochus III of Syria (192 BC) and Mithradates VI of Pontus (88 BC) as a base for their invasions of Greece. It was a commercial centre under Roman rule. 12 grams, 28mm overall, 16.98 x 21.22mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.16, Japan 12) (1"). Very fine condition. Extremely rare.
![218-222 AD. Germe mint, magistrate T. Jul. Phontilius Alexandrus. Obv: [ ]K M AYR ANTWNEINOC CEB legend with laureate, cuiras](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/775f2958-7d7f-4c6e-8eb4-a59a00dec3ba/26a60055-423c-468f-ea4a-c89201a225b2/468x382.jpg)
Lot 2165
218-222 AD. Germe mint, magistrate T. Jul. Phontilius Alexandrus. Obv: [ ]K M AYR ANTWNEINOC CEB legend with laureate, cuirassed bust right, aegis on chest. Rev: EPI CTR T IOYL FONTILIOY ALEXANDROY GERMHNWN legend in two lines around and beneath Herakles, naked, standing right, wielding club and holding one back leg of the Nemean lion which is attempting to flee to the right. Waddington 7037; Ehling 175; SNG France 992; Voegtli 2f; Mabbott I, 1797. 36.70 grams. [No Reserve] Fair. Extremely rare; only a few recorded.
Lot 2216
919-921 AD. Obv: Thor's hammer with three pellets above with +RACIIOIT legend (R formed of an upright, three dots and curve"). Rev: drawn bow with arrow, pointing right with +RBACIIOIT legend. Found near Preston, Yorkshire, UK, 2013. S. 1011; N. 532; see Blunt and Stewart, The Coinage of Regnald I of York and the Bossall Hoard, NC 143, 1983, pp.146-163, especially nos 20-21 (different dies"). See Portable Antiquities Scheme, reference PAS NLM-F304C3 (this coin, with printout of entry); see Early Medieval Corpus, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, reference EMC 2015. (this coin"). The Portable Antiquities Scheme has designated this coin as a find of 'National importance'; Blunt and Stewart list only four examples of the type from the Bossall hoard, found 1807. 1.14 grams. Very fine; small chip at edge. Extremely rare; new dies, the pellets above Thor's hammer not known from any other die.
![931-941 AD. Obv: raven with wings spread and .:+.A[NLA]F CVNVNC:. legend. Rev: small cross with +A[ÐELF]ERD MINETI legend for](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/775f2958-7d7f-4c6e-8eb4-a59a00dec3ba/19735bdc-4be4-4c30-e942-af9844c45ae4/468x382.jpg)
Lot 2217
931-941 AD. Obv: raven with wings spread and .:+.A[NLA]F CVNVNC:. legend. Rev: small cross with +A[ÐELF]ERD MINETI legend for the moneyer Aethelferd at York. Found near Kingston upon Hull, UK. S. 1019; N. 537; dies not represented in SCBI/EMC but see SCBI 2, 519 for same reverse legend form. 0.91 grams. Very fine; a large fragment, straightened with associated crack. Rare.
Lot 2219
1035-1060 AD. Obv: profile bust left with cross botonée to neck and with two pellets before the mouth with blundered NOIIININOIIINIIO legend with Ns mostly reverse barred and pellet-centred Os. Rev: long voided cross with 'hand' in first and third quarters and pellet-in-annulet set high in fourth quarter with blundered IOII / INI / NIO / IIN legend with reverse-barred Ns and pellet-centred Os; the pellet-in-annulet to the fourth quarter possibly intended as a final letter to the legend. S. 6132 (for type); Roth Class 16, number 134/SCBI 32, 253 (obverse die duplicate; reverse similar to Roth 135); D&F 24; see Roth, Bernard, The Coins of the Danish Kings in Ireland: Hiberno-Danish Series, BNJ 6, pp.55-146 and pls.I-X for a detailed study and pp.107-109, numbers 133-137 for his class 16. 0.83 grams. Extremely fine; as struck, slight bend to flan. Very rare.
Lot 2221
1412-1413 AD. Light coinage. Obv: facing bust with slipped trefoil on breast and +HENRICVS REX ANGLIE legend. Rev: long cross and pellets with CIVITAS DVNOLM legend for Durham mint. Found Essex, UK, 2015. S.1735; N. 1365; see Walters, F. A., The Coinage of Henry IV, NC 4th series, V (1905), p.59 and pl.XIII, 12 (possible die duplicate"). Spink and North refer to the symbol on the breast as being a 'trefoil' but Walters (cited above) and Stewartby (in English Coins, 1180-1551) correctly state this to be a 'slipped trefoil' (a trefoil with a stem at the base) and resembling a small cross, especially on worn coins. 0.82 grams. Near very fine for issue; excellent bust and clear mark, reverse off centre, hairline flan crack. Very rare.
Lot 2247
1165-1174 AD. Obv: profile crowned bust right with sceptre and +WILELMMVS REX error legend. Rev: cross pattée with fleurs in angles with +FOL:POLD:ONROC legend for the moneyer Folpold at Roxburgh mint. Found Dalmahoy, near Edinburgh, 2015. S. 5021; SCBI 35, -; see Burns p.47, pl.3, 25B (same reverse die?); see also Stewart p.9, pl.2, 16 (same coin as Burns"). See Early Medieval Corpus, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, reference EMC 2015.0413 (this coin"). This is the first issue of William the Lion (1165-1214 AD); all were minted at Roxburgh and by the moneyer Folpold with perhaps only four other coins recorded of the type; Burns illustrates three coins of the issue, all from different dies; two being distinguished by having the reverse legend offset from the alignment of the central cross. The obverse die for this coin is distinctive for the erroneous spelling WILELMMVS for the king's name and is certainly not previously recorded; the reverse die is possibly the same as seen for Burns 25B (and Stewart 16, same coin"). 1.36 grams. Very fine; slightly weak strike behind bust. Exceedingly rare; new obverse die.
Lot 2251
1207-1211 AD. Third 'Rex' coinage. Obv: facing bust in triangle with WIL LEM ON aberrant legend. Rev: star in triangle with WIL LEN NO legend for the moneyer Willem at Dublin mint. S. 6234 variant; D&F 52 variant; Withers, p.37 (and see p.52 for a similar variant"). 0.39 grams. Very fine. Extremely rare and interesting obverse legend variant.
![1147-1149 AD. Second Crusade period. Obv: small cross with pellet in angles and [+RAIM]VNDVS CO[MES] legend. Rev: cross over](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/775f2958-7d7f-4c6e-8eb4-a59a00dec3ba/ccbb704b-6265-4433-d8d6-1864ff7812bc/468x382.jpg)
Lot 2273
1147-1149 AD. Second Crusade period. Obv: small cross with pellet in angles and [+RAIM]VNDVS CO[MES] legend. Rev: cross over horse (representing Agnes Dei?) with [+C]IVITAS TIIPOLI[S] legend for Tripoli mint. M. 506; CCS Tripoli 4a; see Sabine 168-172. 0.49 grams. [No Reserve] Fine. Rare type (only one listed in Metcalf).
Lot 2304
Dated 1797 AD. Obv: four crown-over-? arranged as a cross with 'I' at centre and 1797 ???? legend. Rev: with ?? ???? / ?? ???? / ? ????? / ?????? legend in four lines with small ?.? and ?.?. below; within garnished double lined square tablet; sealed within a Coin Grading Service UK slab. KM# C# 103; Bit 13 (R1); Fr. 143; Sev 363A (R); Uzd 0174 28.81 grams total. [No Reserve] Graded F by CGSUK (= good fine; looks better"). Very rare.
Lot 2315
Established 22 December 1942 AD. Obv: soldier and sailor advancing with C C C P above, star on scroll and wreath below and ?? ??????? ?????? legend. Rev: hammer-and-sickle with ?? ???? / ????????? / ?????? in three lines; with suspension loop and aluminium backed ribbon and pin. Awarded to those citizens who took part in the defence of Odessa from 10 August to 16 October 1941; Odessa was awarded the title 'Hero City' on 1 May 1945, with Leningrad, Stalingrad and Sevastopol. 22.88 grams, 32mm. [No Reserve] Extremely fine; ribbon slightly soiled. Rare
Lot 238
1st-2nd century AD. A tubular silver-gilt pixis formed from a thin sheet with repousse decoration showing five gods, each standing in a temple(?) door: Jupiter (Zeus) holding a sceptre, Asclepius (Asklepios) holding a snake-entwined staff, goddess Victory (Nike) holding a branch and a smaller statuette(?), Mercury (Hermes) holding caduceus and a bag, helmeted Minerva (Athena) holding a shield and a spear; original separate lid with cracked domed centre; bottom replaced with a modern substitution. From an old German collection; acquired in Munich in the 1970s. 13.04 grams, 56mm (2 1/4"). Fine condition. Rare.
Lot 245
Dated 12 April, 340 AD. A bifacial wooden tabula made from atlas pine or cedarwood, with seventeen lines of Roman cursive script in black ink to the recess of one face, forming part (one third) of the testament of Julius Pompeianus, in favour of his sons Iulius Ianuarius and Iulis Iahin and his daughter Iulia Victorina; the long edges pierced with two holes each to allow attachment to adjoining tablets with cords; supplied with a detailed academic report (in German, with an English translation), including a full transcription of the text; this reading, for the first three sentences: 1) Post co(n)ss(ulatum) dd(ominorum) nn(ostrorum duorum) Constanti II et Constatis Augg(ustorum) pri- 2) die idus Apriles. Iulius Pompeianus ex fundo Thurgen- 3)TE ++QDE+LI in QVINTARIV, sana mente sanaque memo- 4) ria testamentum feci The whole text transliterating to English as: 'After the consulates of both Constantius II and Constans, the Augusti, a day before the ides of April (= 12 April 340 AD"). I, Iulius Pompeianus from the estate of Thurgens that are located in quintario, a testament I have written with sane (sound mind) and (clear) memory. And this I had to [a document consisting of] three panels with smooth sides, they are inscribed with ink writing. Because I do not have the Testament Code to hand, I have dictated to Iulius Praianus, my friend, and after seeing it read, I have had it sealed by me. And if I in due course I will have returned to my death of nature, then you shall, Iulius Ianuarius and Iulius Iahin and my daughter Victorina, my dearest, be my heirs to my total assets. The others, men and women, are not heirs. This under the condition that should my daughter Iulia Victorina have died (before me), her brothers Iulius Ianuarius and Iulius Iahin shall have her share. The remaining, both men and women, all to be disinherited. All I through this my Testament would have given what I paid...' From an important London collection since 1975; acquired by a London dealer 1973; formerly the property of Monsieur Alain Sfez, a Belgium collector; acquired by gift from his father Albert Sfez, 1965; acquired by Albert in the early 1950s; accompanied by a copy of a witnessed statement from Alain Sfez. For examples of wooden panels used as a writing surfaces, see Thomas, J. D., Vindolanda: The Latin Writing Tablets, Britannia Monograph Series No 4, London 1983; for examples of testamentary documents on wooden tablets that have survived, see FIRA III, p.47 for Anthony Silvanus from 142 AD and see BGU VII 1695 for Safinnius Herminus; for another from Transfynydd, North Wales, see Arch. Camb. 150, pp.143-156. A paper on this item by Prof. Juergen Blaensdorf has been submitted for publication in 2016. The testament follows Roman legal practices and phrasing and this part concerns the testator's legacy to his three children, including specific reference to the share to be inherited by his daughter passing to his sons in the event of her death between the date of the will and the death of the testator. Apart from the general interest and rarity of the text, the writing itself is palaeographically very interesting, providing an excellent and rare example of mid-4th century Roman cursive script and showing transition from early to late forms. 50 grams, 15.7 x 20.0cm (6 x 8"). Very fine condition. Extremely rare; important.
Lot 247
1st-3rd century AD. A bronze figure of an acrobat standing on hands with body curving sharply upward, wearing a cap with straps under chin, thick belt with large knot at the front. Property of a gentleman; acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s. 76 grams, 90mm (3 1/2"). Fine condition. Rare.
Lot 271
1st-3rd century AD. A bronze syringe tube with iron plunger and bronze suspension loop; the exterior with panels of hatching and geometric ornament. From an important London collection, acquired in the 1990s. See discussion in Milne, J.S. Surgical Instruments in Greek and Roman Times, Oxford, 1907, p.109-11. 41 grams, 14cm (5 1/2"). Fair condition. Extremely rare.
Lot 33
2nd-1st century BC. A large oval cameo of smoky quartz displaying the head of the Gorgon Medusa in high relief studied by Professor Dr. Bernhard Overbeck of Staatlichen Münzsammlung Munich (Hellenistic period, later Augustus); finely carved facial features and eyebrows, abundant hair twisted and formed into wavy locks flanked by wings to the temples; snakes beneath the chin forming a Herculean knot; in an old silver mount. Property of a Surrey collector; formerly with Pierre Bergé, Brussels, Belgium, 1 December 2011, lot 372 (55,000-60,000 euros); previously in a private collection formed in the early 1980s. See Lapatin, K. Luxus: the Luxury Arts of Greece and Rome, Los Angeles, 2015; H. Gebhart, Gemmen und Kameen, Berlin, 1925, p.63, fig.74. Chiesa, G.S. Gem dalla corte imperiale alla corte Celeste, Milan, 2002, p.36, fig.6. Accompanied by a French export licence and an exposé by Professor Dr. Bernhard Overbeck. This cameo, according to Dr. Bernhard Overbeck, can be compared stylistically an amethyst in the Colonna collection in Rome, and a sardonyx in the Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt. Professor Overbeck comments that this cameo bears many similarities to the Medusa head on the underside of the Tazza Farnese, a sardonyx cup that was carved in Alexandria in the second century BC to celebrate the marriage of Ptolemy VIII to Cleopatra III. Ancient methods of hardstone carving were based on principles that are still used today. The pieces were worked by manipulating various drills against them. The actual cutting was accomplished not with the point of the drill itself but by using the drill to rub powders into the stone. Hellenistic cameos are almost exclusively made from sardonyx and so this piece, being in smoky quartz, is a very rare example. In style Hellenistic cameos, as well as intaglios, exhibit in miniature the qualities of Hellenistic sculpture. They continue and develop the styles of earlier artists, such as Praxiteles, in the softness of the features, but also a passion and pathos that is seen in Lysippus and Scopas, both noted sculptors of the Hellenistic period. Pathos is most clearly depicted in the Medusa images of this time, as seen on this cameo, and the Tazza Farnese. This cameo displays the soft lines and crisp carving associated with Hellenistic court artists and Professor Overbeck is in little doubt as to the dating of this piece to the Hellenistic period due to the composition of the hair and the rendering of the wings and snakes; Medusa heads from later periods tend to be different and of a simpler design. He also notes similarities to an amethyst cameo from the Colonna Collection in Rome, which is also dated to the Hellenistic period and is comparable in its details and composition. Although somewhat stylised, the facial features of this cameo do suggest portraiture, and it is possible that the cameo depicts either Berenike II or Arsinoe II, both popular subjects for cameos, such as the amethyst cameo of Arsinoe II now in the Walters Art Museum, (accession number 42.190"). The mask of Medusa, or Gorgoneion, was believed to ward off evil, as well as to provide properties for renewed life; in Greek mythology the blood of Medusa was believed to bring the dead back to life. This piece was clearly meant to be worn, as seen in the attachment pin at the back. It may have been worn as a pendant or even as part of a diadem, as seen in the Hellenistic cameo that was attached to a Sarmatian gold crown from the Khokhlach burial mound, Rostov region, Russia, and now in the State Hermitage Museum, (inventory number 2213-2.) This cameo is an important piece that was most likely produced at one of the major Hellenistic capitals, most likely Alexandria, and produced for an élite member of society, such as a member of the Ptolemaic royal family. In the Hellenistic period the carving of small hardstones with figures of mythological characters or with portraits of rulers reached its peak. These were much admired by the Romans, as well as by later cultures, for their technical skill and aesthetic beauty. The practice of carving cameos was introduced by the Greeks in the fifth century BC, and with the emergence of the Hellenistic kingdoms after the death of Alexander the Great, master craftsmen set up workshops in the cities of these new empires, such as Antioch. The most noted cameo carvers were based in Alexandria and patronised by the Ptolemaic court. The Gorgons were daughters of Ceto and Phorcys. Of the three, Medusa alone was mortal. They were evil creatures of such ugliness that anyone who looked at them died petrified. Their heads were surrounded by snakes and they were provided with golden wings that allowed them to fly. Only Poseidon was not afraid of Medusa. She was beheaded by Perseus; from her severed neck Poseidon created two beings Pegasus, the winged horse, and Chrysaor, the warrior brandishing a golden sword. Medusa has often been depicted on cameos in Greek iconographic schemes where the treatment of the hair as wings and snakes may vary. The apotropaic aspect of the Gorgon's head is reinforced by the Herculean knot formed by snakes, her half open mouth and the accentuation of the expression of the eyes. 66 grams, 50mm (2"). Very fine condition.
Lot 432
1st-2nd century AD. A discoid jasper plaque with chamfered rear edge, intaglio image of an advancing bear with tree behind. Property of a South West London gentleman; acquired by his father in the 1970s; by descent 1986. See Hoey Middleton, S. Seals, Finger Rings, Engraved Gems and Amulets in the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter, Exeter, 1998 item 59 for type. The depiction of bears on intaglios, and Roman jewellery in general is rare, with very few examples being known, such as the sardonyx cameo of a bear found at the Roman fort of Arbeia, South Shields, Tyne and Wear. 0.64 grams, 13mm (1/2"). Fine condition.
Lot 593
19th-20th century AD. A gilt bronze figure of Manjushri wearing loin cloth and jewels across waist and chest and elaborate crown with hair pulled up in a bun, seated in padmasana posture on a lotus flower base, with hands crossed and holding bunches of flowers on long stems that frame the shoulders; details of face and hair painted. From an important London collection, acquired in the 1970s. Manjushri is the embodiement of all the Buddha's wisdom and his name means gentle glory in Sanskrit. He is more commonly shown holding a sword whilst images of him holding two bunches of flowers are rare and refer to him as the future Buddha to come. 15 kg, 46cm (18"). Fine condition.
Lot 732
14th-15th century AD. A cream glazed plate with blue border along the rim enclosing a scrolling plant motif; to the bottom of the plate further scrolling plant; with 'Hoi An Hoard' numbered sticker to the underside. UK art market, acquired prior to 1980. The ware is presumed to have its origin in Vietnam’s Red River Delta at the kilns of Hai Duong province. The Hoi An Hoard wares have a distinct and easily recognisable identity with the large-scale production of high-fired stoneware blue & white and monochrome white ware, and underglaze blue decorated wares represent the largest group, containing a number of rare and remarkable wares. 157 grams, 24cm (9 1/2"). Fine condition.
Lot 735
Neolithic, 5th-3rd millennium BC. A superb axe with all surfaces fully polished; the slightly asymmetric convex cutting edge showing some wear polish, tapering to a rounded butt, the butt showing evidence of use as a 'strike-a-light'; in a pale grey flint with light patination. Property of a Hampshire, UK, collector; found Catfield, Norfolk, UK, 1960s; recorded at Norwich Museum. See Adkins, Roy and Jackson, Ralph, Neolithic Stone and Flint Axes from the River Thames, BM Occasional Paper No 1, no.265 for a very similar form example. The shaping of the asymmetric cutting edge is deliberate and ensures that, when hafted, the cutting edge is presented at the perfect angle for felling trees. 331 grams, 15cm (6"). Extremely fine condition. Rare.
Lot 774
Neolithic, 5th-3rd millennium BC. Group comprising: two awls formed from animal leg bones, one with incised circumferential line ornament; another formed from a boar tusk. Property of a professional gentleman, acquired 2011; formerly in a private collection formed before 1950. 26 grams total, 70-95mm (3 - 3 2/4"). [3, No Reserve] Fine condition. Rare.
Lot 9
4th-1st century BC. A gold ring with central rib running along the shank, to the bottom is a flattened section inscribed with ????; to one side of the shank is inscribed ?????; the bezel is raised and surrounded by small filigree and set with an eye shaped garnet. From an important Mayfair, London, UK, collection; acquired 1980s. The inscription on this ring is an abbreviated form of a longer phrase and may be related to the class of magical rings that were worn in the ancient world to avert danger and the evil eye. Often the words are nonsensical or include the names of guardian spirits or even Jewish names for God. The Hellenistic period is characterised by an avid interest in magic and many ancient papyri, amulets and ritual objects survive. Amulets were a very widespread type of magic, because of the fear of other types of magic, such as curses, being used against oneself. Various gemstones were also believed to have magical properties, such as garnet which, due to it being the same colour as blood, was believed to have the power of regeneration. 6 grams, 24.52mm overall, 20.57mm internal diameter (approximate size British V 1/4, USA 10 3/4, Europe 63, Japan 23) (1"). Very fine condition. A large wearable size. Rare.
Lot 949
10th-11th century AD. A pair of bronze tortoise brooches decorated with Borre style pattern, pin to the back; attached to brooch is a double rosette spacer with chain extending to other tortoise brooch; from the other rosette spacer hang two more chains, one with a needle case with openwork scroll pattern above, and one with a decorated lunate pendant. Property of a professional collector; acquired before 1990 For similar oval brooches see Arbman, H. Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, plate 62-63. The most characteristic items of female Viking jewellery are the pairs of oval brooches, sometimes called tortoise brooches, from their shape, found in many women's graves from the Viking Age. As in this example the tortoise brooches themselves were sometimes chained together. These chains suspended from the pair of brooches also supported utilitarian objects such as tweezers, ear spoon, scissors and a seax, as well as amulets. Sometimes the brooches suspended strands of beads of glass, silver, amber or jet. 363 grams, 1.08m total length (42"). Fine condition. Rare.
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209236 item(s)/page