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Lot 50

A 19th Century Silver Mounted Bamboo Walking Cane with Carved Ivory Handle Depicting Snake and Sloth in Fruit Tree, Birmingham Hallmark, 88cm Long

Lot 166

A Georgian Silver Wine Funnel with Heraldic Bulls Head Motif to Bowl, 8.5cm Diameter

Lot 195

A Silver Topped Square Glass Inkwell/Pen Rest, 7cm, Chester 1922

Lot 133

A Large Silver Plated Candelabra, 59cm High

Lot 142

A Pair of Georgian Silver Spoons, London 1795, 129gms, Monogrammed 'W'

Lot 147

A Pair of Miniature Silver Goblets, 5.75cm High Together with a Pair of Silver Napkin Rings

Lot 134

A 20th Century Silver Plated Set of Four Egg Cups and Spoons on Stand with Art Nouveau Influenced Handle. 26cm high

Lot 164

A Pair of Silver Candlesticks on Square Bases with Scrolled Feet, Birmingham Hallmarks, 12cm High

Lot 158

A Collection of Three Silver Mounted Dressing Table Hair Brushes, Birmingham and London Hallmarks

Lot 160

A Silver Basket with Cobalt Blue Glass Liner, 12.75cm Diameter, Birmingham 1906

Lot 159

A Indian Silver Eight Piece Cruet Comprising Four Salts with Blue Glass Liners, Three Pepper Pots and One Mustard with Blue Glass Liner (Hinge AF)

Lot 185

A Silver Filigree Basket with Loop Carrying Handle Having Ruby Glass Liner. Chip to Rim and Handle (AF). 10.5cm Diameter 

Lot 143

A Set of Four Victorian Silver Ladels, Exeter 1860 by James and Josiah Williams. 261gms, Monogrammed T.H

Lot 171

A Novelty Silver Pin Cushion in the Form of a Ladies Hat with Bow, Hallmark Almost Totally Polished out, Probably Chester 8.5cm Diameter

Lot 17

A Collection of Five Military Badges, "With the Kaiser to Hell" Together with Silver Cricket Medal and Silver Fob

Lot 410

A 19th Century Silver Table set on Plinth Base Raised on Reeded Corinthian Columns with Carved Border Decoration. 83x61x82

Lot 173

A Silver Trowel with Ivory Handle Engraved Decoration to Blade, 27.5cm Long, Birmingham 1900

Lot 194

A Silver Topped Glass Dressing Table Box, 8cms Long Together with a Small Oval Silver Mounted Hair Brush, Birmingham Hallmarks

Lot 117

An Early Oriental Iron Censer with Two Handles and Three Feet. Traces of Silver Wire Inlay and Gold Decoration Depicting Flowers and Butterflies. (Rusted and with Hole) on Much Later Circular Wooden Plinth, 26cm Diameter

Lot 146

A Silver Mounted Button Hook. Chester 1905. 24cms Long

Lot 150

A Silver Sugar Sifter, 17cm High, Birmingham 1913, 122gms

Lot 152

A Silver Snuff Box with Engine Turned Decoration, Birmingham 1939, 6.3cm Wide 67g

Lot 569

9th-11th century AD. A silver arm ring composed of coiled twisted rod with hammered tapered terminals. 54 grams, 17cm (6 3/4"). From a private UK collector; previously the property of an East Anglian collector; acquired in Europe in the late 1940s. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.

Lot 449

7th-9th century AD. A whetstone comprising a round-section sharpening stone shaft, tubular silver handle formed as the head of a boar with open mouth; two ferrous attachment pins. 55.6 grams, 12.4cm (5"). From a private family collection, 1980s. Fine condition, usage wear. Rare.

Lot 280

3rd-7th century AD. A provincial sheet silver shallow bowl with rolled rim and repoussé design comprising a hexagon of pelletted scooped bands, fleur-de-lys at the apex of each angle with interstitial rosettes, central pelletted circle enclosing a male profile bust with pelletted collars, drop earring, headband extending to the rear; parcel-gilt detailing to the fleurs, headband and collar. 140 grams, 19.5cm (7 3/4"). From the private collection of a North West London lady; previously with a central London gallery; formerly acquired before 1990; accompanied by a metallurgic analytical report, written by Metallurgist Dr. Brian Gilmour of the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford. Fine condition, minor cracking, restored. The tails of the figure's headband are depicted perpendicular to the head, as if being blown by a strong wind or moving forward at high speed. The iconography of the 'strong wind' is present in Sassanian art where it signifies the powerful force xᵛarənah, which signifies divine favour. The great leader Shapur was depicted with windblown ribbons tied under his crown; these ribbons were presented to him by the deity Apąm Napāt.

Lot 167

3rd century AD. A silver finger ring with scrolled edge to the flat plaque and ribbed shoulders, stepped central cell with inset jasper gemstone bearing mane in fede clasped hands motif; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 35 grams, 32.37mm overall, 22.03mm internal diameter (approximate size British X, USA 11 1/2, Europe 29.29, Japan 25) (1 1/4"). From a home counties collection, formed 1970-1980. Fine condition. A large wearable size.

Lot 421

19th century AD. A two-strand necklace of replaced garnet beads with silver spacers and spherical dangles, trichinopoly chain to each end. 76.3 grams, 49cm (19 1/4"). Property of a London lady; from her family collection formed in the 1970s. Fine condition.

Lot 420

17th-19th century AD. A silver necklace of waisted links, the pendant an ellipsoid agate plaque with rosette edging, central foliate design on a hatched field surrounded by a border of dense calligraphic prayer text with black fill. 40.5 grams, 56cm (23"). From the family collection of a Hampstead gentleman; formerly acquired in the 1980s. Fine condition.

Lot 603

15th century AD. A suite of silver-gilt box links for a narrow belt or strap, each with openwork fluted face, finial with fleur-de-lys, buckle with sword-shaped tongue. 155 grams total, 11mm each (1/2"). From a London W1, UK, collection; acquired on the German art market before 2000. [66, No Reserve] Fine condition.

Lot 574

5th century AD. A silver-gilt bow brooch comprising a triangular headplate with cabochon amethyst(?) to each angle, deep ribbed bow, footplate formed as a beast-head with pellet eyes and teeth visible at each side, recurved catch to the reverse. Cf. Tejral, J. Morava na Sklonku Antiky, Prague, 1982, item 93(2"). 27.6 grams, 75mm (3"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s. The footplate is an almost exact copy of the beast-head on the face-plate of the Sutton Hoo helmet. Fine condition.

Lot 457

10th century-early 11th century AD. A double-edged Viking sword of Petersen Type L, variant Wheeler type VI, with complete blade, pattern-welded and tapered with a width of about 5.7cm at the cross-guard; the point is well preserved; traces of corrosion are evident all along the blade; both cutting edges show strong traces of employment on the battlefield, with battle-nicks along their length; the blade is straight and carries a hefty tang; the tapered fullers, 3cm at their origin adjacent to the cross-guard, are slightly marked, although they are still visible and going from their largest width (2.9cm) to 2cm of lower width at the extreme end where they run to about 5.9cm of the point; over the last 10cm the blade enters straight into the cross-guard; the oppositely curved guards are 2.7cm wide; highly decorated with silver inlay: on the sides are two lines of chequered pattern, originally lacquered in red colour over silver, are running the whole guard’s length; on the upper part of the guard the same pattern is enclosing, in two different squares, one left and one right of the grip, a lozenge pattern; the massive pommel has a curved base-element and three lobes, with bands of separation between the lobes very well marked by the same chequered inlaid visible on the lower guard; the pommel knob is attached to the pommel guard. See Petersen, J., De Norske Vikingsverd, Oslo, 1919; Bjorn A., Viking Antiquities in England, with a supplement of Viking antiquities on the Continent of Western Europe, Oslo, 1940; Oakeshott, R.E., The Archaeology of the weapons, London, 1960; Wilson D. M. Some neglected Late Anglo-Saxon swords, in Medieval Archaeology, 1965, 9 (1), pp.32-54; Peirce, I., Swords of the Viking Age, Suffolk, 2002; the sword has good parallels in various similar Viking age specimens; two very similar swords have been published by Peirce (2002, pp.77-81), both at the British Museum; one of these is the famous Witham sword (Bjorn, 1940, part 4, p.71; Oakeshott, 1960, p.134) which is, for its perfect state of preservation, one of the most important in the best public and private collections in the world; also Westminster sword belongs to this classification (Wilson,1965, pp.42ff., pl.VII b); another occasional find of this typology was excavated in Wales in 2002. 1.1 kg, 91.5cm (36").Property of a Kent collector; part of his family collection since the mid 1970s; accompanied by a pre-restoration photograph showing the damask pattern welding and archaeological report by military specialist Dr. Raffaele D’Amato.Both lateral faces of the curved crossguard carry copper-alIoy decoration in the form of a series of diamond-shaped islands set in a sea of applied silver, revealing the importance of such sword, probably it belonged to an elite Viking warrior, like the specimens of Dolven and Nedre (Stokke) published by Petersen (1919, figs.94-95"). This early hilt type, with guards strongly curved away from the grip, has traditionally been regarded as a native English Anglo-Saxon type on the basis of the frequent presence of Trewhiddle style nielloed silver ornament.Fine condition. Rare.

Lot 460

10th century AD. An elaborate Petersen Type L or O variant double-edged sword; the straight blade pattern-welded tapering from a width of about 5cm at the cross-guard; the point is still well preserved; both cutting edges show strong traces of employment on the battlefield with battle-nicks along their length; the tapered fullers, are 2cm at their origin adjacent to the cross-guard, and are still well preserved running from their largest width of 2.5cm to 1cm at the lower extreme end where they run to about 9cm of the point; the blade goes straight into the cross-guard with a broad and long tang, befitting such a fine blade; the boat-shaped cross is 5cm wide; its rounded ends are highly decorated with silver inlaid, onto which intricate whirling interlaced patterns are traced, and curve gently towards the blade; the massive pommel has a curved base-element and five lobes, decorated with the same silver inlaid patterns visible on the lower guard; the pommel knob, decorated in the same way, is attached to the pommel guard through rivets. See Petersen, J., De Norske Vikingesverd, Oslo, 1919; Oakeshott, R.E., The Archaeology of the weapons, London, 1960; Peirce, I.,Swords of the Viking Age, Suffolk, 2002; ?abi?ski, G., Viking Age Swords from Scotland, in Acta Militaria Mediaevalia III, Kraków, Sanok, 2007, pp.29-84; the sword finds parallels in various similar Viking age specimens of L variant; two very similar swords have been published by Peirce (2002, pp.77-81), both preserved at the British Museum; one of these is the famous Witham sword (Oakeshott, 1960, p.134); from the other side the combination of the curved guard with the five lobes seems to design an evolution of the pattern of variant O, like the sword of Oslo University (from Vestre Berg, Løiten parish, Akershus, Norway, see Peirce, 2002, pp.87ff.), or more evidently like the Gunnarsby (Rygge, Smaal) sword (Petersen, 1919, fig.105"). Petersen includes in the second group of O type eight swords exemplars, all having like our specimen, hilts covered in silver plates. 1.3 kg, 91cm (35 3/4").From a North West London collection; previously acquired in the 1980s; accompanied by an archaeological report of military specialist Dr. Raffaele D’Amato.Most probably our specimen is a river find, like most swords of this type. The most remarkable part of this sword is the magnificently decorated hilt, the result of fine craftsmanship. The very fine state of preservation suggests that this sword was protected by Glødeskall, a compound of iron and oxygen created when an iron object is subjected to intense heat, able to provide some protection against corrosion, by means of the shell (skall) or skin which the process forms around the object (Peirce, 2002, p.36, n.2"). The hilt of type O swords, especially their beautiful five-lobed pommels and cross-guards, were usually completely covered in a brilliant copper alloy or silver. The decoration of the guard is very similar to a sword of type O auctioned in 2013, and, owing to its lavish decoration, combining Roman and Norse elements, was said to belong to the Varangian Guard. Moreover also our specimen, like the one auctioned in 2013, has a pommel made of ferrous metal, rather than the copper alloy more commonly used for the hilts of type O. The only known type O Viking sword from Scotland is from Eriskay, generally dated to 900-950 AD, and has a pommel and a cross piece made of an iron core covered of bronze (?abi?ski, 2007, p.63"). This is typical of the swords of the second group O, in which the guards are made of iron with a cover of silver plates, exactly like our specimen. The silver plates are decorated with animal ornamentation and with a more ordinary twined band, like here, in a sword auctioned in 2013 and the Gunnarsby sword. Unlike the sword auctioned in 2013, the blade inlay is entirely typical for the proposed 10th century dating. The decoration is akin to the Hiberno-Norse style, which is the most commonly identified regional attribution of the Type O hilt group.Very fine condition.

Lot 482

Early-late mid 14th century AD. A Western Middle Age iron longsword from Italy, of Oakeshott's Type XV.A, cross style 8, pommel style J (recessed); strongly tapering, acutely pointed blade of four-sided 'flattened diamond' section; the edges are straight, and taper without curves to the strongly reinforced point; strong signs of battle nicks along the edges to both sides that may have reduced the width of the blade; cross style characterised by the very solid écusson which grows naturally out of the two arms, tapering gradually outward to sharply down-turned tips; long grip with slight taper, disc pommel with chamfered edges, with gold inlay once probably indicating a heraldry, today lost; shiny brown patina, no serious pitting; nice example of a well employed sword, ideal for a weapon designed to deal powerful cutting and thrusting blows. See Oakeshott, R.E., The Archaeology of the weapons, London, 1960; Oakeshott, E., The sword in the Age of the Chivalry, Woodbridge, 1964 (1994); Oakeshott, E.,Records of the Medieval Sword, Woodbridge, 1991; Oakeshott, E.,Sword in hand, London, 2001 (2007); many specimens recall our sword: but the most striking sample is the one from the Lake of Lucerna (Oakeshott, 2001 (2007), p.140); another extremely similar sword, although lacking the grip, was found in the Thames in London, and should still be in the collection of the Society of the Antiquaries at Burlington House in London; this can be dated with some certainty between about 1310 and 1340 AD, because it was found in the Thames when the foundations were being prepared in 1739 AD for Westminster Bridge, and evidently it fell into the river in its scabbard, so that when it was discovered, the three silver mounts of it were still upon its blade; these are exactly of the same type as on the sword of Can Grande Della Scala in Verona and that on the Berkeley effigy in Bristol (Oakeshott, 1960, pp. 308-309); others similar specimens are from a group exemplified by one in the collection of the late Sir James Mann, found in Northern France, another in Yorkshire, and yet another with an Arabic inscription which probably came from Italy; they vary a little in size, otherwise they seem almost identical (Oakeshott, 1964 (1994), p.59"). 1.1 kg, 1.05m (41 1/4").From an important private family collection of arms and armour; acquired on the European art market in the 1980s, and thence by descent; accompanied by an academic report by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato.Type XV seems first to have appeared in the second half of the thirteenth century. With type XV we come to a form of blade which does not seem to have been in use since the days of the short Roman gladius or the longer spatha of the Roman Empire. The general outline or silhouette of this type is much like that of the previous type XIV, but the section of the blade is different, as in the prime function of the sword. The type XIV was conceived and used when the main protective armour was mail, with or without metal, leather or quilted reinforcement, and it was primarily a hewing and slashing weapon. The type XV allowed the warrior to deliver a lethal thrust, also if the protection was completely made of metal plate. The blade XVa type was similar, though generally narrow and slender, to the general typology. The grip was much longer, from 7 to 9 or even 10. Forms of pommel and cross are the same as for Type XV. Many swords of this type, like our specimen, have long grips, like the war-swords of Type XIII. After about 1350 AD, nine swords out of ten seem to have such grips, and are today variously referred to as 'hand-and-a-half' or 'Bastard' swords. The latter term was used in the fifteenth century AD, but it is not certain that it was applied to this particular kind of weapon. 'Hand-and-a-half'', though modern, is a name more apt for it; these swords were single-handed weapons, but by being furnished with long grips, could at need, be wielded easily in both. All these hand-and-a-half swords have grips about 7 long, sharply tapering blades of four-sided section about 32 long, straight crosses tapering towards the tips, which are abruptly turned downwards and large pommels of Type J. Various military effigies and brasses of the period 1360-1420 AD, show swords like this one; there is only a limited variety in the forms of hilt, and the blades are long and slender. However, we cannot say for certain that they are of Type XVa, because they are sheathed; and many of the swords of Type XVII are of the same shape and proportions, but have a different blade-section. On English effigies of the second half of the fourteenth century AD, are many such swords; the best (and the best known) is at the Black Prince's side on his tomb at Canterbury; one almost identical is on the effigy of Lord Cobham (Oakeshott, 1960, fig.139"). In these effigies the cross is nearly always shown as a straight or slightly curved bar of square section, possibly because to portray the rather delicate down-turned tips would be difficult and over-fragile in stone. Type XV may seem to have been misplaced, for it continued in use for almost two centuries and was most popular after 1350 AD, yet the sub-type seems to have gone completely out of use within the second half of the 14th century. The reason being that Type XV began during the latter part of the 13th century, whereas XVI may not have come into use until just after 1300 AD.Fine condition, restored.

Lot 552

6th-7th century AD. A hollow-formed gold sword pyramid of unusual form comprising: an octagonal base with square central void, rising to a pyramidal body with flat top; the corners each set with a triangular garnet cloison and between them at the base a similar rectangular insert; above on each face a triangular garnet cloison and on each sloping edge a garnet cloison cut as a prism with rounded face; inset square garnet cloison to the upper face; behind most garnets a gold foil panel with waffle-pattern impressed texture. Published in The Searcher Magazine, no.400, December 2018, p.26 & 27; accompanied by copies of the relevant Searcher Magazine article. A closely similar pair of items form part of the Staffordshire Hoard, catalogue nos. 576, 577, published in Fern, C. Dickinson, T. & Webster, L. The Staffordshire Hoard: an Anglo-Saxon Treasure, London, 2019. Recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) with report number NMS-FCD6CD; accompanied by a copy of the report. 12 grams, 16mm tall, 18mm at the base (3/4"). Found while searching with a metal detector by Melanie Hollwoger on 9 September 2018 at Thwaite, Norfolk, UK; declared as Treasure under the Treasure Act 1996; valued and destined to be acquired by Norwich Castle Museum; subsequently returned to the finder after the museum was no longer in a position to acquire it; accompanied by copies of various documents pertaining to the find from the Senior Coroner for Norfolk, the Assistant Treasure Registrar at the British Museum, and a copy of the Report to HM Coroner on the find, plus a copy of the provisional valuation undertaken for the Treasure Valuation Committee which suggested a value of between £25,000 - £27,500. The exact purpose of these fittings is not known but their position in the few graves which contained them (notably Mound 1 at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk) indicate that they were used in the suspension of the sword from a baldric or waist-belt (see Menghin, W. Das Schwert im Frühen Mittelalter, Stuttgart, 1983; Mortimer, P. Woden's Warriors, Ely, 2011; Brunning, S. The Sword in Early Medieval Northern Europe. Experience, Identity, Representation,Woodbridge, 2019"). They are a short-lived fashion which nevertheless displayed considerable wealth and status, and where such were available the finest materials were allocated to their manufacture. Lower social ranks adopted similar items, made from silver, silver-gilt or gilt -bronze and often with less impressive detailing. The present example is similar to two found in the Staffordshire Hoard. The use of prismatic garnets on the corners of the angled faces is a feature found only on the highest quality swords (Sutton Hoo Mound 1"). However, the pyramid does not evidence the finely detailed filigree and granule decoration of the Sutton Hoo and higher-quality Staffordshire Hoard examples. Rather, the garnets are presented here in a straightforward plain setting which emphasises the sheen of the gold surfaces and the glitter of the foil-backed garnets. Fine condition; cleaned. All original garnets are present, three are cracked and several are partly displaced with one turned through 90° so that the lower edge now appears in the cell, displaying both the thinness (1.2mm) of the gemstone and the presence of its foil backing. Extremely rare.

Lot 519

8th-4th century BC. A bronze lance head with hollow midrib and lanceolate blade; believed to be one of the largest British examples of the late Bronze Age/early Iron Age ever found; some wood still inside socket and traces of ancient repair around neck of socket. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland, London, 1881, item 378 for type. 420 grams, 38.5cm (15 1/4"). The Chris Rudd collection, Norfolk, UK; formed since the 1970s; found near Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, UK, c. 2015; accompanied by Chris Rudd collector's ticket for item BA25, and various offprints and a communication from the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS"). Chris Rudd says: 'Hafts were usually proportionate in length to the size of the lance-head; so one might surmise a total length of about seven feet for this lance. I call it a ‘lance’ rather than a spear or javelin, because I fancy it would have been too long and unwieldy as a throwing spear. Ideal however to be carried on horseback, as illustrated by the late iron age cavalryman seen on a Catuvellaunian silver coin of Tasciovanos (ABC 2640), issued 20BC-AD10. Milton Keynes, Bucks., where this colossal lance-head was found, was formerly within the territory of the Catuvellauni whose name means ‘Men who Excel in Battle’. Reported to Bucks FLO, Arwen Wood, also Brett Thorn and Tabatha Barton of Bucks County Museum.' Very fine condition. Extremely rare in this size.

Lot 427

8th-9th century AD. A silver finger ring with plain penannular hoop supporting a square cup bezel, inset turquoise cloison with four-line Umayyad Kufic inscription. Cf. Chadour, A.B. Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 522 for type. 5.59 grams, 24.30mm overall, 18.91mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13) (1"). From the family collection of a Hampstead gentleman; formerly acquired in the 1980s. Fine condition.

Lot 573

6th century AD. A silver-gilt plate brooch with central cabochon garnet and zigzag border, radiating pairs of profile bird-heads each with a round cell and inset garnet cloison eye; lug and catch to the reverse. Cf. Heeren, S. & vam der Feijst, L. Fibulae uit de Lage Landen. Beschrijving, Analyse en Interpretatie van een Archeologische Vondstcategorie, Amersfoort, 2017, item 89i. 20.7 grams, 35mm (1 1/2"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Fine condition.

Lot 492

Mid 16th-early 17th century AD. A rapier of possible Spanish or Italian manufacture; the open basket-hilt sword, fitted with the blade, has straight double-edges with a pointed blade(?), presenting a hilt with straight quillons; the side guards are still preserved, together with the arms of the hilt and the knuckle bows; with two additional rings on the lower part of the hilt, bowing towards the flat undecorated blade; the sides of the blades show strong signs of employment in battle. See Tarassuk L., Blair C., The complete Encyclopedia of arms and weapons, Verona, 1986. 1.6 kg, 94cm (37").From an important private family collection of arms and armour; acquired on the European art market in the 1980s, and thence by descent; accompanied by an academic report by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato.A variety of swords were used by the Englishmen during the Tudor period, these included the cutting sword, the broadsword and the rapier. The cutting sword was useful in the medieval period but was less effective on the battlefield by the time the Tudor era began. It was consequently replaced by the rapier which was sleeker and was adopted from Spain. It was a slender sharply pointed sword, mostly used for thrusting attacks, as in fencing. It was very thin and sharp, making it look like a thin pole. The rapier was also used by English noblemen to test their skills at fencing which had become a popular sport during the Tudor period. It was common for the noblemen to wear their rapier along with the civilian dress, usually as a part of the clothing. Discussions about the origin of the use of the rapier in England frequently begin by focusing on the very late 16th century. The term rapier was borrowed in 16th century from the French rapière, which was recorded first in 1474AD in the expression épée rapière, which itself derived from the contemporary Spanish espada ropera, the dress sword carried daily by the Spanish noblemen and gentlemen (Tarassuk-Blair, 1986, pp.401 ff."). This weapon was lighter than the arming sword. With the development of the art of fencing in 16th and 17th century the rapier became narrower and lighter, and so suitable for thrusts only. The teaching of rapier was established in England before 1569, and well before that, the school of the famous Italian teacher Rocco Bonetti, who was already established and active in 1576. Accounts from the 1630s set the time when the rapier replaced the sword and buckler as the weapon of choice for civilian combat as being '20. yeare of Queene Elizabeth' or about 1578. But in order for a weapon to become popular there has to have been training beforehand, in which the Masters of Defence of London played the major' part. This sword is an interesting piece belonging to the early period of diffusion of the rapier in England, with all probability from a battlefield, a castle or a military site. The weapon that embodied the duelling spirit was the rapier. The introduction of the rapier into England was one of the most significant single innovation, yet for those unwilling or unable to use such a 'sophisticated' weapon the 'cut and thrust' sword, arming sword or broadsword remained the primary edged weapon, that is after the omnipresent dagger. The new technique of swordplay, introduced in the mid XVI century, gave emphasis to the point of the blade as main instrument of attack. This brought the change of the structure of the sword's guard. In order to point the blade more effectively, some swordsmen used to put one or more fingers in front of the quillons, and these fingers needed to be protected by the arms of the hilt and side guards. Since ordinary gloves were usually worn during an encounter, the increase of all these elements of the guard became a necessity to cover the hand of the target nearest to the opponent. The English at the end of the 16th century followed the continental fencers in taking on the use of the rapier. Just to give a glimpse we can remember as on September 22nd, 1598, two men wandered out into the damp fields of Hoxton, north of London. On that muddy ground, they drew swords – at least one of which was 'a certain sword of iron and steel called a rapier, of the price of three shillings” and fought. At the end of the affray, one man lay dead, suffering 'a mortal wound, to the depth of six inches and the breadth of one inch' to his right side. That man was Gabriel Spencer, a play-actor in the Lord Admiral’s Men and the man that killed him was Ben Jonson, the playwright, friend of William Shakespeare and one of the most famous dramatists of the age. In defence of a proper English technique, George Silver published a treatise called the Paradoxes of the defence, a treatise which was used to espouse the use of the English weapons and to downplay the use of the rapier. Silver hated the Italians and Spanish and made sure that his readers knew that these styles were more dangerous for the user than good English practices. He also wrote a treatise on his Paradoxes called Brief Instructions. The Italian Elizabethan Masters were instead Saviolo and Di Grassi. Saviolo' s works cover not only his view on fencing mechanics but also the concept of the honour. Di Grassi treatise in particular was one of the finer manuals translated to English in this time period. Although Di Grassi predates the Elizabethan period, his manual, which was originally published in 1570, was translated into English in the late Elizabethan period. Not every sword maker could make a good rapier blade. The most part of the blades were made in specialised workshops: in Italy, Milan and Brescia; in Spain, Toledo and Valencia; in Germany, Solingen and Passau. From these cities the blades were exported throughout all Europe, and the hilts mounted in accordance with local fashion and decoration. For example, although Milano, Napoli, and Palermo were subjects of Spain, the decoration style was typically Italian. In Southern Italy the dominant features were the fuller running down the blade and the decorative work using the technique à jour.Fine condition. Rare.

Lot 172

6th century AD. A silver spoon used for the Holy Eucharist, with a long stem, stamped inside with the Christian monogram, in the center of the bowl; this christogram was formed from the first two letters of 'Christ' in Greek (chi = X and rho = P) and used extensively in the Roman Christian Empire. Cf. Beutler F., Farka C, Gugl C., Humer F., Kremer G., Polhammer E. (ed.), Der Adler Roms, Carnuntum und die Armee der Casaren, Bad Voslau, 2017, p.186, n.74. 33 grams, 19cm (7 1/2"). From a home counties collection, formed 1970-1980. Very fine condition.

Lot 99

4th century BC. A substantial silver ceremonial drinking vessel comprising a fluted tubular curved body with rolled rim and lotus-flower detailing, and a protome of a galloping horse with head erect, ears pricked and a knop finial to the stiffened mane, forelegs extended; narrow conical spout to the chest; mounted on a custom-made stand. See Garnsey, P. Food and Society in Classical Antiquity, Cambridge, 1999 for discussion of the use of the rhyton at Greek feasts. 761 grams total, 17cm (6 3/4"). From an important London collection; acquired from J.J Klejman, New York, USA, 29 October 1964; formerly in the Thompson family collection; accompanied by a copy of positive metallurgic analytical results, written by Metallurgist Dr. Peter Northover (ex Department of Materials, Materials Science-Based Archaeology Group & Department of Materials, University of Oxford"). Rhytons formed part of the array of formal tableware for use at a ceremony such as a religious libation or a symposion drinking party. The rhyton was dipped into the krater wine container and held above the drinker's mouth with the spout covered by a thumb, then opened to release a stream of wine into the mouth. Fine condition.

Lot 535

Later 1st millennium BC. A matched pair of hollow-formed silver bracelets, each with four coiled plaques flanking the hinged closure with cotter-pin. 118 grams total, 10cm each (4"). Property of a Middlesex collector; acquired on the London art market before 2000; formerly in an old English collection. [2] Fine condition.

Lot 423

20th century AD. A silver ellipsoid plaque with loop to each end, raised cell, inset carnelian panel with reserved calligraphic text on a pounced field, the lines of text filled with nasta'liq calligraphy. 43.4 grams, 67mm (2 1/2"). From the family collection of a Hampstead gentleman; formerly acquired in the 1980s. Fine condition.

Lot 170

1st-2nd century AD. A large group of miniature silver eagle figurines, all standing with erect heads and wings tucked in, most with incised detailing. 49 grams total, 13-28mm (1/2 -1"). Ex an important Dutch collection; acquired on the European art market in the 1970s. [13] Fine condition.

Lot 164

3rd century AD. A silver finger ring with fluting to the shoulders, raised ellipsoid cell with inset carnelian gemstone, intaglio male and female busts; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 17.59 grams, 29.04mm overall, 19.43mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15) (1"). From a home counties collection, formed 1970-1980. Very fine condition. A large wearable size.

Lot 166

2nd-early 3rd century AD. A silver finger ring with tapering shoulders, domed plaque with inset carnelian gemstone, intaglio bust of a horned and bearded male, probably Faunus; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. Cf. Chadour, A.B. Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 353 for type. 14.12 grams, 25.18mm overall, 19.32mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14) (1"). Private collection, home counties, UK; acquired before 1980. Very fine condition. A large wearable size.

Lot 447

2nd-3rd century AD. Two sheet silver embossed plaques for a pseudo-Attic helmet, each with shaped edges, embossed around the edges with a double-pearled ornament, with fixing holes; the decoration of both plaques seems to represent a cult scene, most probably to Jupiter and Epona, in one plaque, to Jupiter alone; the bust of Jupiter is represented on both plaques at the centre of the diadem, frontally, with long, symmetrical hairstyle; he is dressed in a simple folded tunic; an eagle at his right side, his favoured bird and symbol of his power over the skies, as well as of the eternal power of Rome; the feet of both eagles rest on thunderbolts, composed from a turtled elongated body; to the first plaque, another divinity is represented to the left of Jupiter, most probably Epona, left hand holding a staff surmounted by flowers, fruit and ears of corn (cornucopia?); on the left side of the plaque, under the divinities, are two advancing cavalrymen, one dressed with a padded tunic of Celto-Danubian typology, holding a short sword, the other unarmed and lightly dressed; opposite, the god Silvanus seated and covered only by his mantle, is offering the victory laurel to an eagle resting over a basket, caressing a dog; and three female figures (one half naked and with the breast exposed, the other two dressed with chiton and chlamys) are performing an offering in front of a templar construction, one figure holding a staff and the other a standard ending with a seven-pointed star; at the feet of the woman with the staff another dog is lying, probably again associated with the offering god; to the second plaque: the embossed decoration consists mainly of an armed cavalryman, identical to that one on the previous plaques, advancing towards Zeus/Jupiter; two different cult scenes are represented on the sides, on the left a divinity (maybe Silvanus), leaned upon a staff, is offering gifts to a divinity (Epona?), represented as a bust; on the right side a similar figure offering gifts to a cavalryman, preserved only in his lower part; under the central figures are again represented, in smaller dimensions, two divinities, Zeus/Jupiter and Athena/Minerva, the one holding a staff, the second one helmetted and carrying a spear with her right hand, the other hand on a shield; the two figures are flanked by a naked horseman, while the heads of the twins Castor and Pollux are positioned on both their flanks; both plaques with holes for the fastening through small rivets on their sides (still present in the smaller plaques, only one preserved in the bigger plaque), intended to affix the plaques to the crown of the helmet; mounted on perspex.See Fray Bober P., Reviewing Réne Magnen, Epona, Déesse Gauloise des Chevaux, Protectrice des Cavaliers, in American Journal of Archaeology, 62.3, July 1958, pp.349-350; Robinson, R., The Armour of Imperial Rome, New York, 1975; D'Amato, R., Arms and Armour of the Imperial Roman Soldier, London, 2009; Negin A. Roman helmets with a browband shaped as a vertical fronton, in Historia i ?wiat, 2015, 4, 31-46; D'Amato R., A. Negin, Decorated Roman Armour, London, 2017; the helmet browband embossing has parallels with other splendid vertical fronton-shaped specimens, like the helmet from PamukMogila, the fragment of helmet from Leidscherijn, the browband from Leiden, and the very famous helmet recently found in Hallaton (D'Amato-Negin, 2017, fig.62 c, p.64-66); the piece preserved in the National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden) in Leiden (D'Amato-Negin, 2017, fig.65) shows similar embossing and side holes for fastening. These embossed plaques would have been affixed to the browbands, of the ‘pseudo-Attic’ helmets of the Roman army. The existence of these helmets, the most represented in Roman art (Robinson, 1975, p.182, pl.494; pp.184-185, pls.497-499, 501) although less documented in archaeology, have been a matter of controversy amongst scholars. 1.02 kg total, 30-35cm long (11 3/4 - 13 3/4").Ex an important Dutch collection; acquired in the European market in the 1970s; accompanied by an expertise by military archaeologist Dr Raffaele D'Amato.Despite a number of experts doubting their existence, Russell Robinson published the brow-band of a surviving example over forty years ago (1975, pp.138-139, pls.417-220"). Some scholars are absolutely confident of their existence (D'Amato, 2009, pp.112-114; 206ff.), while others considered the many images of Attic helmets on Roman monuments simply an artistic convention. Recently, Andrei Neginhas collected a good series of samples showing that the presence of these helmets was a reality of the Roman Army (Negin, 2015), a thesis further reinforced in D'Amato and Negin’s 2017 work on Roman decorated armour. Both the authors have shown full evidence with finds suggesting that Attic helmets with browbands, which are often depicted in Roman public art, are no mere convention, but were actually common in the Roman imperial army, imitating models from the earlier period. In the case of similar helmets worn by the Praetorians, it can be assumed that they had more archaic shapes, imitating Greek models. They are exceptionally rare pieces, coming with all probability from a military camp on the Danube. The scene represented here shows a cult to divinities popular among the legions of the Danube; the presence of cavalrymen recalls the cult of the Danubian rider gods, here dressed like a Thracian auxiliary cavalryman of the Roman army, and joined by the rider gods par excellence, the twins Castor and Pollux. The presence of Epona, protector of horses, goddess of fertility, confirms the helmet’s Danubian origin, Epona being 'the sole Celtic divinity ultimately worshipped in Rome itself' (Fray Bober, 1958, p.349"). Her worship as the patroness of cavalry was widespread in the Empire between the first and third centuries AD; this is unusual for a Celtic deity, most of whom were associated with specific localities. Here, she is associated with Silvanus, a god also venerated in the Danubian provinces, a divinity especially popular in Pannonia, and in the cities of Carnuntum and Aquincumwhere he was worshipped as Silvanus Orientalis, the divine guard of the borders.[2] Fragmentary.

Lot 416

19th century AD. A silver octagonal frame with running tendril ornament, two large suspension hoops, lip to the reverse with foliage and zigzag designs; inset jade plaque with three central liners of calligraphic text and similar to the border, secured with four bronze pins. 128 grams, 85mm (3 1/2"). From the family collection of a Hampstead gentleman; formerly acquired in the 1980s. Fine condition.

Lot 165

2nd-3rd century AD. A silver finger ring with broad ellipsoid plaque, inset later jasper intaglio of a seated satyr in congress with a goat in a wooded landscape; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 17.46 grams, 29.04mm overall, 20.54mm internal diameter (approximate size British S, USA 9, Europe 20, Japan 19) (1"). Property of a South London collector; acquired before 1980. Fine condition. A large wearable size.

Lot 536

2nd millennium BC. A matched pair of silver pendants, each formed as two coiled ends of a rod with heart-shaped loop between forming a volute scroll. Cf. Aruz, J. Art of the First Cities. The Third Millennium B.C. from the Mediterranean to the Indus, New York, 2003, item 246. 107 grams total, 93mm each (3 3/4"). From a private collection, Lancashire, UK; acquired on the UK art market; previously in an early 1990s London collection. [2] Fine condition.

Lot 424

20th century AD. A silver ellipsoid plaque with scrolled border and central cell, inset carnelian panel with intaglio image of a resting lion with Imam Ali and his two sons, Hasan and Husayn, before a city wall with palm trees and calligraphic text; ribbed suspender above, openwork rosette to the reverse and artist's mark. 84.5 grams, 81mm (3 1/4"). From the family collection of a Hampstead gentleman; formerly acquired in the 1980s. Very fine condition.

Lot 417

19th century AD. A rectangular carnelian plaque with silver frame and suspension loop, incised nasta'liq calligraphic panels to one face. 97.5 grams, 10cm (4"). Property of a Middlesex collector; acquired on the London art market before 2000; formerly in an old English collection. Very fine condition.

Lot 576

8th-9th century AD. A bronze lozengiform strap end with beast-head finial, applied silver panels with niello-filled La Tène-style Hiberno-Saxon ornament. Cf. Thomas, G. Late Anglo-Saxon and Viking Age Strap-Ends 750-1100: Part 1, Finds Research Group datasheet 32, Sleaford, 2007, item 1 for type. 8.4 grams, 46mm (1 3/4"). Formerly from the collection of Maurice Braham in the 1980s. Fine condition.

Lot 422

18th-19th century AD. A substantial pentagonal rock crystal plaque with chamfered edges, five lines of incised calligraphic text to the face and a similar running inscription to the edges, all with pigment to the lettering and floral background; set in a later silver scrolled mount with incised arabesque ornament to the reverse and ribbed suspender. 196 grams, 97mm (3 3/4"). From the family collection of a Hampstead gentleman; formerly acquired in the 1980s. Very fine condition.

Lot 169

1st century BC-1st century AD. A silver figure of an eagle perched on a discoid base, wings folded to the sides. 11.1 grams, 33mm (1 1/4"). Ex an important Dutch collection; acquired on the European art market in the 1970s. Very fine condition.

Lot 571

9th-10th century AD. A flat-section silver pendant of a hammer with punched detailing. 14.3 grams, 41mm (1 1/2"). From an East London collection; previously in a collection formed between 1990-2000. Fine condition.

Lot 602

Late 16th century AD. A Shakespeare's 'Rose Theatre' type silver gusseted finger ring with impressed Middle French inscription 'PENCES POVR MOYE DV' (Think of me, God willing) and lightly incised motif of a heart pierced by two arrows. See very similar ring in the collection of the Museum of London found during excavations of the Rose Theatre on Bankside, built in 1587; accession number SBH88[183]. (https://collections.museumoflondon.org.uk/online/object/119520.html"). 3.03 grams, 20.74mm overall, 15.05mm internal diameter (approximate size British I, USA 4 1/4, Europe 7.44, Japan 7) (3/4"). Ex Nicholson collection, Cambridgeshire, UK; formerly the property of her father, thence by decent. The letters ‘DV’ probably stand for the Latin words ‘Deo Volente’ (God willing"). [No Reserve] Fine condition, hoop distorted.

Lot 572

5th-6th century AD. A silver-gilt bird brooch with chip-carved bands, inset hatched foil backed garnet cloisons to the eyes and body, catch and sprung pin to the reverse. Cf. Beck, H. et al. Fibel und Fibeltracht, Berlin, 2000, item 468; similar brooches from the Frankish cemetery at Monceau-le-Neuf-et-Faucouzy, deptn Aisne, France in Menghin, W. The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, item VII.23.2; and the S-fibula from Schwarz-Rheindorf, Westphalia, in Menghin, W. The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, item VII.48.27. 6.3 grams, 28mm (1"). From an important private family collection; acquired on the European art market in the 1980s, and thence by descent. During the mid-sixth century the S-brooch, along with the disc brooch, became popular. These were made primarily of gilded silver embellished with garnet inlays or in garnet cloisonné. Early forms of S-shaped brooches appear in graves in Scandinavia throughout the fifth century and in Europe during the first decades of the sixth century, and reached the height of their popularity during the latter half of that time. They have a wide spread across Europe and are found in central and western Europe, Italy, Scandinavia and Anglo-Saxon England. They generally take the form of an S-shaped body with heads at either end facing in opposite directions. The heads are generally depicted as birds but examples are known of unidentified animals with splayed open jaws, possibly dragons or wolves. The use of the head imagery is consistent with the aesthetic tendencies associated with the northern, Pagan Germanic world. Very fine condition.

Lot 425

20th century AD. A silver ellipsoid pendant with beaded rim, central cell with inset carnelian plaque, loop with lentoid suspender; the plaque with nine lines of reserved calligraphic prayer text. 37.3 grams, 61mm (2 1/2"). From the family collection of a Hampstead gentleman; formerly acquired in the 1980s. Very fine condition.

Lot 611

15th-16th century AD. A bronze quatrefoil plaque with applied silver repoussé panel featuring a lion rampant. 13.7 grams, 33mm (1 1/4"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the 1970s. Very fine condition.

Lot 173

Later 2nd-3rd century AD. A silver spoon comprising a shallow discoid bowl with stepped rim, scrolled neck and rectangular plate with chamfered upper face, square-section handle with three-pronged end and crescent finial. Cf. Riha, E. & Stern, W.B. Die Römischen Löffel aus Augst und Kaiseraugst, Forschungen in Augst 5, Augst, 1982, item 116 for type. 31.7 grams, 19cm (7 1/2"). Private collection, South West London; acquired before 2000. Fine condition.

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