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Click here to subscribeCirca 12th-13th century A.D. With a keeled hoop decorated with ring-and-dot and linear designs, the shoulders formed as stylised beast heads supporting the bezel with punched ring-and-dot motifs. 9.52 grams, 26.94 mm overall, 19.21 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15) (1 in.). UK private collection before 2000. On the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. [No Reserve]
1st millennium B.C. Comprising: Amlash bronze cloak pin, the top of the shank decorated with encircling bands of various widths and surmounted by a conical head, a piercing in the shaft allowed for the attachment of a crescentic slip-ring, the surface with areas of corrosion, the very tip broken away; similar with pierced lug finial and four radiating birds' heads; each with old collector's label '10633' and '10689'; each mounted on a custom-made display stand. Cf. Moorey, P.R.S., Catalogue of the Ancient Persian Bronzes in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, 1971, pl.43, no.248, for type. 113 grams total, 15.2-15.5 cm including stand (6 - 6 1/8 in.). Acquired on the UK art market 1970s-1980s. Private collection, London, UK. [2, No Reserve]
9th-11th century A.D. Comprising: two hand-forged iron stirrups each with a reinforcing strap beneath the footplate, slotted suspension plate; snaffle-bit with hooked outer ends each with a twisted-rod ring and a curved transverse bar with dentilled lower edge. Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.33(2), for type. 821 grams total, 19.5-20 cm (7 3/4 - 7 7/8 in.). From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. [3, No Reserve]
1st-2nd century A.D. and later. Hollow-formed finger ring with broad plaque; with a later gemstone of an eagle and snake within a wreath; supplied with a museum-quality impression. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 174. 2.28 grams, 24.52 mm overall, 16.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I, USA 4 1/4, Europe 7.44, Japan 7) (1 in.). Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12107-218183. (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.) [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website]
1st century B.C.-2nd century A.D. Pair of rings comprising: a bronze ring with overlapping terminals tapering into coiled discoid plaques, coiled wire sleeves; a silver ring with overlapping terminals coiled around the hoop. 3.76 grams total, 18-21 mm (3/4 in.). UK private collection before 2000. On the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. [2, No Reserve]
9th-11th century A.D. A slender shank with the ends twisted together, lozengiform plaque with punched ring-and-dot and bowtie motifs. Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.111(6), for type. 1.76 grams, 29 mm (1 1/8 in.). Found North Wold, Norfolk, UK. From an East Anglian private collection. [No Reserve]
Circa 6th-8th century A.D. Hipped dress pin with slight bulb to the lower shank, D-shaped headplate with lateral spurs to the upper edge, impressed ring-and-dot ornament, pierced close to one edge for attachment. Cf. a similar set of three such pins in the British Museum under accession no.1858,1116.4. 3.34 grams, 33 mm (1 1/4 in.). Found Gloucestershire, UK. [No Reserve]
6th-8th century A.D. With broad disc bezel and shank formed from two lateral arms; low-relief central ring with pseudo-text in the tondo. Cf. Hadjadj, R., Bagues Merovingiennes - Gaul du Nord, Paris, 2007, item 313, for type. 1.63 grams, 18.43 mm overall, 16.85 mm internal diameter (approximate size British E, USA 2 1/4, Europe 2.41, Japan 2) (3/4 in.). Acquired from Den of Antiquity, Cambridgeshire, UK, in 2010. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK. [No Reserve]
14th-15th century A.D. With flared mouth and two lateral handles, bulb with IHS' on a hatched fiel to obverse, 'W' within a ring to reverse. Cf. Mitchiner, M., Medieval Pilgrim & Secular Badges, London, 1986, item 399, for similar. 38.1 grams, 48 mm (1 7/8 in.). Found Essex, UK. Property of an Essex collector. [No Reserve]
Circa 10th-11th century A.D. Discoid in plan with integral stub handle; central Maltese cross with herringbone ring and epigraphic band, radiating dentilled rim; the inscription '+ ??????? ?????? ?? ???? ???? ?? ??C ?? ????' (With the blessing of Lord and God I am with the Father). 495 grams, 12.6 cm wide (5 in.). From the collection of Sir Daniel Donohue [1919-2014] and the Countess Bernardine [1904-1968], Los Angeles, USA; the collection was assembled in the 1950-1960s, but before March 1968. with Bonhams, London, 13 April 2011, no.310 (part). Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00120713. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12109-218144.The cross is surrounded by a zig-zag frieze enclosed within a long inscription in medieval Greek, this confirms the use of the seal in a liturgical context. The practice of preparing bread for Holy Eucharist and Antidoron is still in use in the churches of the East. (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.)
14th-16th century A.D. The body decorated with ring-and-dot motifs; the hinged, semi-circular hoop retained within the body of the lock; the keyhole in a piriform panel; complete. 36.1 grams, 57 mm (2 1/4 in.). Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
12th-16th century A.D. Graduated set of three dice, each cuboid with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. 2.2 grams total, 5-8 mm (1/4 in.). From the important private collection of dice and gaming pieces of Colin Narbeth, London, UK, collection no.129. [3, No Reserve]
20th century A.D. Comprising: a reproduction terracotta pillow-shaped tablet with cuneiform inscription; arrowhead; tri-facial seal; bronze ring. 47 grams total, 24-40 mm (159 grams total, 14 x 11.5 cm including case) (1 - 1 1/2 in. (5 1/2 x 4 1/2 in.)). From a collection acquired from various auction houses in the UK. From the estate of Mr R.W., a private Wiltshire, UK, collector; thence by descent. [4, No Reserve]
3rd-2nd millennium B.C. Biconvex in profile with slightly stepped rim, basal ring; to the shoulder, a dense pattern of interlocking steps or meander in two rows. 532 grams, 19 cm wide (7 1/2 in.). Acquired from Alexander Gotz, London, UK. Ex M Scyoyen collection, Norway, collection no.20.
2nd millennium B.C. Bell-shaped with basal ring, frieze of fishes to the sidewall and zigzag above. 145 grams, 10 cm (4 in.). Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s. Accompanied by an original thermoluminescence analysis report no.N111m58 from Oxford Authentication.
Mid 1st century B.C.-mid 1st century A.D. Obv: crude head right, pellet in ring for eye, pellets in arcs behind, stalk lips. Rev: triple tailed annulate horse left, pellet and EI above, pellet and S V below. ABC 2081, 2084; V. 1110; BMC 3043-55; S. 382. 0.84 grams, 13 mm. . Found Gloucestershire, UK. [No Reserve]
7th-10th century A.D. and earlier. Substantial ring with D-section hoop, tiered bezel with inset 4th-5th century A.D. carnelian gemstone, intaglio of a gryphon in flight. Cf. Content, D.J. (ed.), Islamic Rings & Gems. The Zucker Collection, London, 1987, item 28, for type. 15.87 grams, 33.98 mm overall, 18.34 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17) (1 1/4 in.). Acquired from a New York private collection, in the early 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of a previous illustrated catalogue information page. [No Reserve] (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.) [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website]
680-710 A.D. Obv: profile bust right with double ring of pellets (in place of blundered legend). Rev: flying bird with three pellets in front, over cross with annulet each side and pellet in lower angles, with blundered legend. Abr. 16.70-80; N. 126 variant; see M. pp.158-65; S. 777A. 1.01 grams, 12.18 mm. . Found Cambridgeshire, UK. [No Reserve]
680-710 A.D. Obv: profile bust right with double ring of pellets (in place of blundered legend). Rev: flying bird with cross in front, over cross with annulet each side and pellet in lower angles, with blundered legend. Abr. 16.70-80; N. 126 variant; see M. pp.158-65; S. 777A. 1.09 grams, 11.94 mm. . Found Cambridgeshire, UK. [No Reserve]
2nd-3rd century A.D. Comprising a pair of curved iron bars linked at the centre, loop at each outer end attached to a substantial flat-section ring with lateral lug pierced to accept a strap. Cf. James, S., Excavations at Dura Europos 1928-1937. VII The Arms, Armour and Other Military Equipment, London, 2004, p.66-7. 377 grams, 26 cm (10 1/4 in.). From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. [No Reserve]
Circa 10th-11th century A.D. With three-lobe pommel and decorated guard; the blade 45mm wide at the upper end, gently tapering with fuller to both faces, rounded tip, indented ring to one face with silver inlay, scaphoid-section lower guard with two rows of shallow pellets to each face gilt or latten inlay; flat tapering tang; pommel of Petersen's Type S with traces of vertical inlaid wire. See Petersen, J., De Norske Vikingsverd, Oslo, 1919; Oakeshott, R.E., The Archaeology of the weapons, London, 1960; Peirce, I., Swords of the Viking Age, Suffolk, 2002; Hjardar, K. & Vike, V., Vikings at war, Oxford-Philadelphia, 2016, pp.169-170, for the type; the pommel finds good parallels in various similar Viking age specimens, like the sword from Mixnam’s pit, Chertsey, today at the Chertsey Museum (Peirce, 2002, pp.98ff.). Exhibited at Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 14th March-9th June 2024; accompanied by a copy of a photograph of the artefact on display. 752 grams, 93 cm (36 1/2 in.). From the family collection of a London gentleman; formed in the late 1940s-1950s; thence by descent. Accompanied by metallurgic analytical report number 114366/569, written by metallurgist Dr Brian Gilmour of the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12020-214090. [No Reserve]
75-175 A.D. S-shaped dragonesque brooch with comma-shaped finials, each with a raised ring-and-dot 'eye', curved neck, body with high-relief cells to accept enamel fill; free-running pin coiled about the 'neck'. Cf. Bayley, J. & Butcher, S., Roman Brooches in Britain: A Technological and Typological Study based on the Richborough Collection, London, 2004, item 350, for type. 15.7 grams, 54 mm (2 1/8 in.). Found whilst searching with a metal detector in South Stainley with Cayton, near Harrogate, North Yorkshire, UK, in May 2014. Accompanied by a copy of a British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.SWYOR-279501. Accompanied by an original British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) receipt copy no.002210 dated 14 July 2014. [No Reserve]
6th-7th century A.D. With discoid base and four straps containing the sphere, attached to a narrow collar at the top with a suspension ring; punched decoration to the straps. Cf. similar set in gold in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, under accession no.22.139.51. 96.4 grams, 88 mm (3 1/2 in.). From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
5th-6th century A.D. Comprising: ellipsoid loop with hollowed underside, segmented at lateral edges; tongue with violin-shaped shield, waisted and curved over the forward edge of the loop; rectangular plate with applied sheet-gold cellwork and frame to the obverse, segmented along the edges, comprising a central gold lion-mask in a circular frame surrounded by a ring of cells with garnet cloisons and four radiating arms forming a cross also with garnet cloisons, field of larger cells with cloisons, inset malachite square inlay to each corner; four pierced attachment lugs to the reverse. Cf. Menghin, W., The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, item IX.3.2 (Badajoz, Spain); Heynowski, R., Bestimmungsbuch Archaeologie: Gürtel, Munich, 2017, type 8.4. Georges A Salles and Daisy Lion-Goldschmidt, Adolphe Stoclet Collection (part I), Brussels, 1956, p.137 (d). 165 grams, 10 cm (4 in.). From the collection of Adolphe Stoclet, 1871-1949.The buckle plate is large and impressive, while the loop is somewhat narrower and may have been replaced. Cruciform motifs on the buckle plate are a feature of Visigothic belt-sets at this time. The use of malachite is unusual for this period, but semi-precious stones of various types appear on such plates (e.g. Menghin, IX.1.1).
1200-1300 A.D. The bezel developing to a low pyramid with lateral facets, surmounted by an inset cabochon sapphire set within an irregular cell; a quatrefoil plaque to each shoulder, and three more regularly placed around the shank; carinated hoop with magical Lombardic script '+NI ONAN NRIO ONIC / NIAI AINO ANIOI NAN'. Cf. PAS-804C91/2002 T248, a similar ring also dated to the 13th century; a similar ring with an inscribed hoop read over two lines was recorded as 2002 T257, also with enigmatic inscription interpreted as most likely having romantic or magical significance. 3.95 grams, 25.72 mm overall, 19.75 x 18.44 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18) (1 in.). Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Drayton, Vale of the White Horse, Oxfordshire, UK, on Sunday 16th September 2018 by Chris Weir. Declared as treasure under the Treasure Act with reference no.2018T853, subsequently disclaimed and returned to the finder. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.GLO-0BFB91. Accompanied by a letter from the finder describing the circumstances of finding. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12118-214086.Many late medieval rings and brooches bear similarly meaningless inscriptions, perhaps due to the illiteracy of the engraver who nevertheless was aware that customers required an inscription, so provided one. Alternatively, since the text is composed from repeated sequences 'NI', 'AI', etc. based on an open syllabic structure, the words may be intended as a chant or magical charm. For discussion of such inscriptions see Evans, J., Magical Jewels of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Oxford, 1922, pp.121-132, for inscribed jewels. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website]
Circa 1400-1500 A.D. Flat-section straightened hoop with incised blackletter text 'le belle ie[u]' translating to 'the beautiful game' with interposed flowers and stalks. Cf. Hindman. S. et al., Toward an Art History of Medieval Rings: A Private Collection, London, 2007, item 26, for similar script on an English gold ring; see Jones, M., 'The Beautiful Game - Courtly Love posies in Anglo-Norman inscribed on jewellery and seals', in The Journal of the British Archaeological Society (forthcoming), for inscription. 1.68 grams, 16.92 mm overall, 15.39 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I 1/2, USA 4 1/2, Europe 8.07, Japan 7) (5/8 in.). Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Witham on the Hill, South Kesteven, Lincolnshire, UK, on Sunday 9th January 2022, by Mark Bowen. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.CAM-D675E8. Accompanied by a copy of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Treasure receipt and and disclaimed with Treasure case tracking no.2022T153. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12139-214843.The final word of the inscription is ie for ie[u], an Anglo-Norman spelling of modern French jeu ‘game’. The game in question is, of course, love (not football!). The ‘game’ of love here is what we now refer to as Courtly Love (amour courtois, fin amor) and the phrase ‘beautiful game’ is also found on another ring recorded on the PAS database as YORYM-0A0FD2, the whole, a rhyming couplet, reading AMIE EN VV/ [E]ST MA VIE BELE GIEV [Beloved, in you my life is a beautiful game]. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website]
Circa 13th-14th century A.D. Comprising an annular body decorated with four raised pyramidal knops each set with an amethyst cabochon, interstitial lobes with pounced surface; sword-shaped pin. Cf. Deevy, M.B., Medieval Ring Brooches in Ireland, Wicklow, 1998, item RB115, for type. 3.72 grams, 19 mm (3/4 in.). Found near Brandon, Suffolk, UK. From an East Anglian private collection.
Coptic, 4th century A.D. Comprising: square panel with border of repeated motif of an amphora and vine issuing from the top, guilloche, radiating foliage; similar with guilloche enclosing repeating ring motifs, knotwork band and central radiating fleur-de-lys motifs; similar with concentric bands of roundels and central floret; each mounted on a wooden-framed fabric backing. 1.08 kg total, 25.3 x 25.5 cm each (10 x 10 in.). Acquired from Esther Fitzgerald Rare Textiles, London, UK. Property of a North American gallery. [3, No Reserve] (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.)
Late Period, 664-332 B.C. and later. Scarab with detailed carapace and legs, impressed hieroglyphs to the underside; set in a 19th century gold ring. Cf. Ben-Tor, D., The Scarab: A Reflection of Ancient Egypt, Tel Aviv, 1993, p. 73, no. 1, for scarab with similar design. 2.44 grams, 23.63 mm overall, 17.57 x 16.48 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12) (1 in.). From an early 20th century collection.
New Kingdom, 19th Dynasty, 1303-1213 B.C. D-shaped hoop and ellipsoid plaque, hieroglyphic text in low relief giving the regnal name of Ramesses II (User-Maat-Re Setep-en-Re). Cf. Andrews, C., Ancient Egyptian Jewellery, London, 1990, p.165, no.148, for the type; Tinius, I., Altägypten in Braunschweig. Die Sammlungen des Herzog Anton Ulrich-Museums und des Städtischen Museums, Wiesbaden, 2011, p.175, no. 345, for a faience ring of similar style. 6.78 grams, 23.72 mm overall, 17.94 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16) (1 in.). Ex R.K. collection, early 1980s. UK private collection before 2000. Property of a London gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12082-217353.
Circa 8th century B.C. Three-lobed mouth with elongated beak, truncated-conical neck, shoulder with a convex profile, biconical body, low and flat foot, double rod handle set on the mouth and shoulder; small hole below equator. 592 grams, 21 cm high (8 1/4 in.). Showplace Auction Centre, auction 308, lot 174. Property of a South Australian private collector, with collection reference 23.09. Accompanied by detailed collector's catalogue pages including description and photograph.There is a similar vessel in Collection CA p18 n17 without decoration. The form is the same (height 25cm). Different varieties of it are known depending on the high or short neck, the flattened or globular or ovoid body, the flat or ring-shaped or splayed foot, the ribbon-like handle or the single or multiple rod. The known specimens come from different localities: Narce, Faleri, Bisenzio, Vetulonia, Tarquinia, Volsiniese countryside, upper Fiora valley. For parallel with ribs, see Antikenmuseum Basel + Sammlung Ludwig, p. 19, E 9, Schnabelkanne aus Impasto, first half seventh century, height 22.6cm. The shape of this handmade pot is particularly bold and simple. The few attached ribs, the bar handles brought together at the top, the high neck and the steep, cloverleaf-shaped mouth form ascending lines, but at the same time contribute to the balance of the shape due to their curve. These pots have primarily been found in Bisenzio, where they were probably made.
Iron Age, Cypro-Geometric, 950-850 B.C. Wheel-made amphora with narrow basal ring, two broad loop handles to the shoulder, tubular mouth with strap handle to the rear; horizontal black painted bands to the neck, shoulder and body; painted handles; cracked. Cf. similar item in the British Museum under accession no. 1869,0604.23. 3 kg, 38 cm (15 in.). From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. [No Reserve]
Circa 6th-2nd century B.C. Left hand modelled in the round with a ring to the third finger formed with a broad discoid bezel, the palm supporting a small broad bowl with six applied pellets for the offering; surface deposits and traces of pigment. 384 grams, 14.5 cm (5 3/4 in.). From the private collection of C.H., Niedersachsen, acquired between the 1960s and 1987. Acquired from Gorny & Mosch, Munich, Germany, 18 December 2018, lot 94 (part). Property of a South Australian private collector, with collection reference 18.11. Accompanied by detailed collector's catalogue pages including description and photograph. Accompanied by a copy of the Gorny & Mosch invoice.
Circa 1st century A.D. Comprising a substantial ring mounted on a short neck with tiered collars and facetted flared flange below; three radiating carinated knops, loop to the underside. Cf. Megaw, R.& V., Celtic Art. From its Beginnings to the Book of Kells, London, 1989, item 225, for type. 76.36 grams, 70.36 mm overall, 21.92 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22) (2 3/4 in.). Found Thetford, Norfolk. From an East Anglian private collection.
Circa 4th century A.D. Formed as four profile horseheads emanating from a central roundel; each head with a ring-and-dot eye and chevron mouth, and incised borders to the neck; to the reverse, the pin and catchplate. Cf. Petcu, R., Swastika-shaped fibulae with horse-head decorations (Almgren 232) from the Roman period in Dobrudja (Moesia Inferior), in Studia Antiqua et Archaeologica 25(1); pp.113-122, fig.4. 14.8 grams, 40 mm (1 5/8 in.). Acquired in the early 1990s. Ex Property of a Cambridgeshire Gentleman. Property of a Kent lady collector. [No Reserve]
1st-4th century A.D. Comprising a pair of twisted iron bars linked at the centre, loop at each outer end with free-running flat-section ring. Cf. James, S., Excavations at Dura Europos 1928-1937. VII The Arms, Armour and Other Military Equipment, London, 2004, p.66-7. 217 grams, 30 cm (11 3/4 in.). Found Billingsgate spoil from the Thames foreshore, London, UK, circa 1984. Property of an Essex collector. [No Reserve]
1st-4th century A.D. Including an equal-ended plate brooch, finger ring and fragments. 13.6 grams total, 12-33 mm (1/2 - 1 1/4 in.). Acquired between the 1960s-early 1990s. From an old UK private collector from Worthing, West Sussex, UK. Property of K.P., a Cornish lady collector, UK. [6, No Reserve]
Circa 1st century A.D. Including a military belt plate and suspension ring, a penannular finger ring, a Polden Hill type bow brooch and other items. 75 grams total, 12-69 mm (1/2 - 2 3/4 in.). Found City of London, UK. Acquired from mudlark Steve Brooker in the early 2000s. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. [9, No Reserve]
1st-4th century A.D. Cuboid with chamfered corners each with a ring-and-dot motif, reserved pellet marks disposed 1:6, 2:4, 3:5. 1.7 grams, 10 mm (3/8 in.). Acquired from Red House Antiques, York, UK, in 2006. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK. [No Reserve]
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