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Click here to subscribe9th-11th century AD. A silver trichinopoly chain with s-shaped link to each end joining a central ribbed loop with attached Thor's hammer necklace. 9.88 grams, 21cm (8 1/4"). Property of a lady living in Kent, UK; formerly part of her grandfather's collection; acquired in Germany after WWII; thence by descent 2006. Fine condition.
9th-10th century AD. A silver pendant of a female in floor-length robe holding a shield in her right hand and drawn knife in her left, stylised headdress and long plaited(?) band of hair to the rear; pierced lug to the reverse. See Vang Petersen, P. Valkyrier og Bersærker. Mytologien i Smykkekunsten, in Madsen, P.K. (ed.) Danefæ. Skatte fra den Danske Muld, Copenhagen, 2010; Garde?a, L. ‘Warrior-women’ in Viking Age Scandinavia, A preliminary archaeological study in Analecta Archaeologica Ressoviensia, vol.8, Rzeszów, 2013. 8.12 grams, 41mm (1 1/2"). Property of a Cambridgeshire, UK, gentleman; acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. This pendant resembles a find from Galgebakke, Denmark, a silver figure holding a short sword and clutching a shield by the boss (Vang Petersen, item 4"). The Galgebakke figure is identified as female on the basis of the elaborate crested hairstyle, and an ankle-length dress with tiny feet beneath. The interpretation usually offered for this figure is that of a skjoldmø or 'shield-maiden', a female who takes up arms in pursuit of vengeance such as the legendary Hervor in Hervarar saga ok Heiðreks. Scholars used to interpret these armed females as valkyries - hand maidens of the god Oðinn - but the idea has been challenged recently (Garde?a, 2013"). Very fine condition. Rare.
1st-2nd century AD. A substantial silver pendant of a phallus with loop to the rear. Cf. Boucher, S. Inventaire des Collections Publiques Françaises - 17 Vienne: Bronzes Antiques, Paris, 1971, item 61 for type. 34 grams, 58.8mm (2 1/4"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the 1970s. Fine condition.
9th century AD. A substantial silver dome-shaped brooch formed as a convex plaque with openwork fylfot design, pellets to each of the four corners and four inner angles, banded border; pin lug and catchplate to the reverse. Cf. Arbman, H. Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.84, item 5 for type, https://imgur.com/Rn0gTLE. 70 grams, 65mm (2 1/2"). Property of a professional collector; acquired before 1990. Fine condition.
10th-11th century AD. A silver-gilt D-shaped gusseted Rus pendant with enamelled polychrome motifs: to the obverse an advancing peacock with tail erect; to the reverse a cross within a ring with radiating pellets and triangles. See Fodor, I. et al. La Hongrie de l'An Mil. Naissance d'une Nation Européenne, Budapest, 1998 for discussion. 9 grams, 21mm (7/8"). Ex Murray Scott collection, London, UK; formerly in the Adam Lloyd collection, Northampton, UK, before 1988; accompanied by a copy of a cash receipt dated 8 September 1986. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Very fine condition. Rare.
9th-10th century AD. A silver-gilt discoid pendant with integral loop, banded border with facing male mask on a coiled profile quadruped, executed in a fusion of Jellinge and Borre styles. 2.76 grams, 21.62mm (3/4"). Property of a Dutch genetleman; formerly in a German private collection, acquired in the 1970s. Despite the long period of overlap of Borre and Jellinge art styles, there are only few examples of their fusion. The principal and most popular motif of Borre style displays the animal with gripping paws, usually enmeshed in a circle, while a typical Jellinge style beast is more slender with a long, S-shaped slim body and ribbon decoration. Very fine condition.
2nd millennium BC. A silver cylindrical cup with slightly flared rim; three ibex in light repoussé, each with lightly incised detailing. 50 grams, 77mm (3"). From the private collection of a North West London lady; previously with a central London gallery; formerly acquired before 1990. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Fine condition; small hole to base.
Late 16th-early 17th century AD. A silver finger ring comprising a D-section hoop with teardrop panels to the shoulders, fronds below and Latin epigram 'pulvis et umbra sumus' (we are [but] dust and shadow); ellipsoid bezel with intaglio standing figure of Death with a scythe, axes and other weapons in the field. 12.2 grams, 27mm overall, 19.02mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 9, Europe 19.69, Japan 19) (1"). Private collection, UK; formed in the 1980s. Fine condition. A large wearable size.
4th-5th century AD. A belt fitting group comprising: silver buckle with rectangular loop, tongue with cuboid rear and flanking D-shaped panels, forward edge curved over the loop, re-attached rectangular plate with gold sheet sleeve, three garnet cabochons in cells; a smaller silver buckle with annular loop, tapering tongue, ellipsoid plate with tremolier detailing; a small buckle with domed loop, tongue with rectangular shield and incised saltire, discoid plaque with inset garnet cloisons. See Heynoswki, R. Bestimmungsbuch Archaeologie: Gürtel, Munich, 2017 for discussion. 58.6 grams total, 28-46mm (1 - 1 3/4"). Property of a European businessman; formerly in a Belgium collection; previously from an old German collection. [3, No Reserve] Fine condition.
6th-7th century AD. A silver-gilt tongue-shaped strap end with three attachment holes to the underside; openwork obverse plate with addorsed gryphons. Cf. Wamser, L. Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 443 for type. 22.5 grams, 67mm (2 3/4"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Very fine condition.
5th century AD. A parcel-gilt u-section silver scabbard chape with running scrolls to the body, attachment holes, profile bird-head finials with inset garnet cabochons. See Menghin, W. Das Schwert im Frühen Mittelalter, Stuttgart, 1983, p.140. 22 grams, 54mm (2"). From the collection of a European gentleman living in South London; acquired 1970-1980. Very fine condition.
1st-2nd century AD. A silver Roman ring of Henig's Type VIII with circular bezel and triangular shoulders with a deep groove to the perimeter; large central oval panel decorated with upward-pointing hatches; to each shoulder a loop and flanking ring-and-dot motifs; discoid raised bezel with incised 'TOT inscription (an abbreviation for the Celtic deity To[u]tatis"). An article describing this ring and other similar examples was published by Brett Hammond in Treasure Hunting magazine, January 2009, p.44 - 'Keep a sharp eye out for Totatis'. Cf. Portable Antiquities Scheme report number LIN-B1288. 6.46 grams, 21.48mm overall, 17.80mm average internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 17.75, Japan 15) (7/8"). Ex Marshall collection; found Lincolnshire in the 1920s; accompanied by a copy of the Portable Antiquities Scheme report number LIN-B1288. Totatis (also spelt Toutatis or Teutates) was one of the principal deities in Gaul and Britain, one of three Gaulish gods mentioned by the Roman poet Lucan in the 1st century AD, alongside Esus and Taranis. Several epigraphic inscriptions have been found, for example the one at Cumberland Quarries, dedicated to Jupiter Optimus Maximus and Mars Toutatis. Finger rings marked 'TOT' are sometimes found in eastern Britain. The distribution of these rings corresponds generally with the territory of the Corieltauvi tribe. In 2005 a silver ring inscribed DEO TOTA (to the god Tot[atis]) and '[VTERE] FELIX' ([use this ring] happily) was discovered at Hockliffe, Bedfordshire, which supports the idea that the inscription TOT did refer to the god Toutatis. Many of these rings are known from the East Midlands, especially in Lincolnshire where the deity appears to have had a large following. Very fine condition. Rare.
8th-9th century AD. A silver bird-head pendant comprising a D-section neck and curved beak with hollow to the inner face, herringbone detailing to the neck, domed eyes with triskele and comma-leaf pupils, suspension loop above. See Franceschi, G., Jorn, A. & Magnus, B. Fuglen, Dyret og Mennesket i Nordisk Jernalderkunst, vol.2, Borgen, 2005; Brown, P. The Book of Kells, London, reprinted 1992. 12 grams, 31mm (1 1/4"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the 1970s. The bird-head finial has parallels in Scandinavian art (e.g. the mount from Hovinsaari, Finland - Franceschi et al, item 115) while the triskele and comma-leaf detailing to the eye and the incised ornament on the beak have parallels in e.g. the Book of Kells. Very fine condition.
17th century AD. A D-section silver hoop with flat elliptical bezel, pelleted border enclosing intaglio portrait bust of King Charles I flanked by 'CR' (Carolus Rex, King Charles"). See Scarisbrick, D. Rings: Jewelry of Power, Love and Loyalty, London, 2007, p.190-1 for other examples of rings with portraits of Charles I. 13 grams, 25mm overall, 17.55x19.92mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14) (1"). Property of a Wiltshire lady; formerly in a Cambridgeshire collection; acquired on the UK art market 1940s. Very fine condition.
6th-7th century AD. A group of silver mounts comprising: fourteen heater-shaped mounts, each with horned zoomorphic mask, three attachment pegs to the reverse; seventeen elliptical mounts with horned zoomorphic masks, each with three attachment pegs to the reverse, twelve with suspension loops to the top, five with bar; tongue-shaped mount with leaf detail, three pegs to the reverse; and buckle with tongue-shaped plaque with foliate design, elliptical loop and hinged tongue. 110 grams total, 18-48mm (3/4 - 2"). Property of a European businessman; formerly in a Belgium collection; previously from an old German collection. [33, No Reserve] Fine condition.
7th-10th century AD. A mixed group of three silver buckles comprising: one with elliptical plate, with two bronze pins, loop and hinged tongue; one with elliptical plaque with inset crescentic glass, tubular loop and hinged tongue; and one with discoid plaque with sheet gold to the upper side, ribbed border and three cloison carnelian, tubular loop and hinged pin. 37 grams total, 32-40mm (1 1/4 - 1 1/2"). Property of a European businessman; formerly in a Belgium collection; previously from an old German collection. [3, No Reserve] Fine condition.
10th century AD. A group of eleven silver ingots including four triangular-section bars and fragments of square- and round-section bars. 224 grams total, 11-98mm (1/2 - 4"). Property of a professional collector; acquired before 1990. [11, No Reserve] Fine condition.
7th-10th century AD. A group of three silver brooches, all with elliptical plaque and loop: one with two bronze pins, one with three pin holes, and one with three pins formed as gold discs with granulated border and inset red glass. 58.5 grams total, 25-39mm (1 - 1 1/2"). Property of a European businessman; formerly in a Belgium collection; previously from an old German collection. [3, No Reserve] Fine condition.
9th-11th century AD. A group comprising: 117 pieces of silver Islamic dirhems, snapped or cut, and a ceramic pot with flat discoid base, carinated shoulder and rounded rim. 689 grams total, 3-15cm (1 - 6"). Property of a professional collector; acquired before 1990. [118, No Reserve] Fine condition.
19th century AD. A large square emerald with panel of calligraphic prayer text surrounded by faceted edges with more text, in a silver cell, openwork to the reverse, ribbed suspension loop; the text translated as 'There is no god but Allah, the living and the self-subsisting and eternal. No sleep nor slumber can seize him. His are all things in heaven and on earth. Who is there who can intercede with him in his presence? He knows what appears to his creations, before or after or behind them, nor shall they compass out of his knowledge except as he wills it. His throne extends over the heavens and the earth and he feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them, for he is the most high, the supreme in glory.' 72 grams, 50mm (2"). From the family collection of a Hampstead gentleman; formerly acquired in the 1980s, supplied with geologic report No. TL005190, by geologic consultant Dr R. L. Bonewitz. Extremely fine condition.
3rd-4th century AD. A set of silver belt fittings comprising: crescentic buckle loop with stepped rim; fittings in the form of seriffed ornamental letters reading 'VTERE FELIX', 'use this well', with holes to accept attachment studs. 55 grams total, 31-44mm (1 1/4 - 1 3/4"). From the collection of a European gentleman living in South London; acquired 1970-1980. [11] Fine condition.
6th-7th century AD. A sheet silver boat-shaped bowl, elliptical in plan with rounded underside, thickened rim; repoussé ornament including a band of heart-shaped motifs to the rim, two birds each with crescent above the head and tapering tail holding a bead necklace in the beak, a profile advancing lion with pointillé fur detailing, rows of S-shaped bars and rosettes, central wreath enclosing a simurgh motif. See Harper, P.O. & Meyers, P. Silver Vessels of the Sasanian Period, New York, 1981 for discussion; Muscarella, O.W. Bronze and Iron. Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1988, item 428 for type; also Godard, A. The Art of Iran, London, 1965, p.214-215, ill.120 and 121, for a bottle with repoussé decoration now in the National Museum, Tehran, depicting a similar mythical animal at the base. 286 grams, 28cm (11"). On the London art market since 2005; with Boisgirard and Associes, Arts d'Orient Archelolgie - Islam, Paris, 7-9 June 2006, lot 348; previously in a private collection, kept in Switzerland since the 1960s; accompanied by a copy of a metallography analysis and report by Dr Peter Northover, Begbroke Nano, Oxford University; and a copy of an expertise report. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Fine condition.
Hallstatt Culture, 8th-6th century BC. A group of two silver fibulas, each a ribbed bow with coil and pin, rectangular catch with scooped upper edge and knop finial, incised hatched and other detailing. 10.58 grams total, 38-40 mm (1 1/2"). Property of a European gentleman living in the UK; formerly in a private collection formed in the 1990s. [2] Very fine condition.
6th-8th century AD. A silver ring comprising a round-section hoop and ellipsoid gold bezel with inset jasper cloison, intaglio advancing sphinx with one foreleg resting on a rosette. Cf. Chadour, A.B. Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 478. 4.15 grams, 21.32mm overall, 16.09x13.61mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6) (3/4"). Property of a Mayfair lady; formerly in an important London collection formed since 1965. Fine condition.
4th century AD. A substantial silver ring comprising a D-section hoop with keeled shoulders, discoid cell with beaded wire collar, inset later carnelian cloison with intaglio profile bust of Minerva wearing crested Corinthian helmet, dress pin to the mantled shoulder. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L. Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 191 for type. 32.56 grams, 36.19mm overall, 22.46x18.26mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18) (1 1/2"). From the collection of a European gentleman living in South London; acquired 1970-1980. Very fine condition. A large wearable size.
8th-10th century AD. A matched pair of silver-gilt temple-rings, each a hoop with coiled wire panels, three hollow bulbs with applied filigree detailing, one with radiating cones. See Entwistle, C. & Adams, N. Intelligible Beauty, Recent Research into Byzantine Jewellery, London, 2010 for discussion. 38 grams total, 48mm each (2"). Property of a European businessman; formerly in a Belgium collection; previously from an old German collection. [2, No Reserve] Fine condition.
6th century AD. A parcel-gilt silver sword pommel cap of Bifrons-Gilton type, rectangular in plan with two pierced lugs and securing pins to each short edge, raised T-shaped panel to each scooped face and corresponding notches to the long edges; border of punched triangles to the flat faces and the raised panels, hollow to the underside with ferrous remains; to one face four ring-and-dot motifs on the lower edge flanking an incised arrowhead, incised voided arrowhead to the other face with two ring-and-dot motifs and fylfot to the lower edge. Cf. Menghin, W. Das Schwert im Frühen Mittelalter, Stuttgart, 1983 for discussion. 15.46 grams, 39mm (1 1/2"). Found Isle of Wight, Hampshire, UK, 2018; disclaimed with treasure reference 2018T180; accompanied by a copy of the Portable Antiquities Scheme report number IOW-FC69E6. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Fine condition. Extremely rare.
2nd-1st century BC. A shallow silver dish with central gilt panel depicting a serpent wound round a column on a pecked field. rolled rim with tendril band to the inner face, pointillé inscription to the outer rim. 385 grams, 21cm diameter (8 1/4"). From the private German collection of Mr F., formed 1950-1960. Fine condition.
6th-4th century BC. A silver bowl with flared rim; shoulder decorated with elongated ovules; to the inside repoussé decoration of linked palmettes and lotus flowers. 68 grams, 13cm (5"). From a European collection; previously in a large American collection formed in Chicago, Illinois, USA, in 1995; previously in the Mansees collection; formed 1950s-early 1990s. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Very fine condition.
1st-2nd century AD. A set of silver military insignia comprising four lengths of trichinopoly chain with attachment sleeves and loops with discoid dangles, two ivy-leaf-shaped flat pendants each with bulb finial and securing clip to both faces. Cf. Appels, A. & Laycock, S. Roman Buckles and Military Fittings, Witham, 2007, item AA14.10 for type. 63 grams total, 63cm (24 3/4"). Property of a European gentleman; formerly in a German private collection formed in the 1950-1970s. Fine condition.
2nd-3rd century AD. A sheet silver piriform vase with discoid base, carinated shoulder, tall neck and flared rim with small pouring lip; parcel-gilt band of grapevine ornament with pointillé borders, similar band to the shoulder with profile putti. See Carducci, C. Gold and Silver Treasures of Ancient Italy, London, 1969 for discussion. 155 grams, 14cm (5 1/2"). From a private collection formed in North America; acquired on the US art market in the early 1990s. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Fine condition.
8th-9th century AD. A silver-gilt sword-belt appliqué set with niello detailing comprising: D-shaped buckle loop and tongue; three belt keepers with roundels to the upper face; attachment ring with inlay to accept the scabbard straps; eleven plaques each formed as opposed birds around a central ribbed dome; second attachment ring; sixteen heater-shaped panels each with an advancing lion, four with a separate ring to the lower edge; five panels with lateral point and matching recess, geometric design; similar finial with heater-shaped leading edge; all assembled and mounted in a glazed wooden presentation case. 3.6 kg total, case 132.5cm long (52"). From an old English collection, pre 1965. Fine condition.
3rd-7th century AD. A substantial iron-framed cavalry helmet formed as a hemispherical bowl with a broad band fore-and-aft, applied bronze reeded strips secured with decorative rivets, D-shaped lateral sheet silver panels with repoussé fish-scale detailing; the interior with panels and fragments in a matrix. See Grancsay, S.V. A Sasanian Chieftain's Helmet in The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, New Series, Vol. 21, No. 8 (April, 1963) for discussion; also Ahmad, S.N. A new Sasanian helmet in the Musee d’Art Classique de Mougins, in Historia i ?wiat, 2015. 2.3 kg, 17 x 24cm (6 3/4 x 9 1/2"). From the collection of a North London gentleman; acquired in the 1980s. Accompanied by a positive metallurgic analytical report, written by Metallurgist Dr. Brian Gilmour of the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford. The helmet's interior shows it has been constructed from bands and panels attached to an encircling browband, the most frequently encountered method for producing iron and bronze helmets in antiquity which persisted in eastern Europe and Western Asia until the early modern period. The fish-scale side panels are known from other Sassanian helmets, such as the examples in the Romische Germanische Zentralmuseum (Ahmad, fig. 7) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (ibid., fig.6"). In plan, the helmet is more barrel-shaped than round, with distinct flattened faces to front and rear. This may have been intended to accommodate a separate arming cap or other form of inner protective layer. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Fine condition, some restoration. Rare.
1st century BC-2nd century AD. A silver pendant of a winged phallus with suspension loop to the rear. Cf. Boucher, S. Inventaire des Collections Publiques Françaises - 17 Vienne: Bronzes Antiques, Paris, 1971, item 60. 22 grams, 39.5mm (1 1/2"). From the collection of a European gentleman living in South London; acquired 1970-1980. Very fine condition.
7th-10th century AD. A mixed group of three buckles comprising: two silver-gilt, one with triangular plaque and elliptical dished loop, one with plaque formed as two hearts joined at one side, each with a discoid hole, rectangular loop; and one gold-gilt, formed as an oblong plaque inset with glass windows, thick D-section loop with thick tongue. 21 grams total, 30-44mm (1 1/4 - 1 3/4"). Property of a European businessman; formerly in a Belgium collection; previously from an old German collection. [3, No Reserve] Fine condition.
Dated 1624 AD. A James I seal-top spoon silver-gilt spoon with hexagonal-section stem, prick-dot engraved initials to seal 'MA + BF', assay mark stamped once to the bowl, maker's mark of crescent enclosing a mullet for Nicholas Bartholomew, London, marked for 1624. 48 grams, 16.5cm (6 1/2"). Ex Horton collection; acquired on the Suffolk art market. This maker's mark has been noted (with variations) from 1551 to 1633 AD, suggesting that the matrix was passed to apprentices. Fine condition.
15th century AD. A silver-gilt disc appliqué with repoussé image of a regardant harpy within a folded rim. 11.2 grams, 52mm (2"). Property of a European businessman; formerly in a Belgium collection; previously from an old German collection. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
6th-8th century AD. A squat silver bowl with flattened underside, incised rosette to the centre in tremolier technique with radiating trefoils and surrounding undulating band. 193 grams, 14cm (5 1/2"). From the private collection of a North West London lady; previously with a central London gallery; formerly acquired before 1990. Fine condition.
17th century AD. A flat silver hawking vervel for the use in falconry, with italic inscription '*Edw.Lord.Mountague' to one face, plain reverse. Recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme under reference BH-64FD13; accompanied by a copy of the PAS report. 0.56 grams, 11.4mm (1/2"). Found near Barnwell, Northamptonshire, UK, in 2015, disclaimed as treasure under reference 2015 T789; accompanied by a report under the Treasure Act for H M Coroner and a letter from the Assistant Treasure Registrar at the British Museum. The inscription is a likely reference to Edward Montagu, 1st Baron Montagu of Boughton (1563-1644), or his son, the 2nd Baron (1616-1684"). The Montagu family home at Boughton House, between Weekley and Geddington in Northamptonshire is very close to the findspot. Montagu was the son of Sir Edward Montagu and his wife Elizabeth Harrington, daughter of James Harington of Exton? of? Rutland. He matriculated at Christ Church, Oxford in about 1574 and graduated ?in 1579. He was a student of the Middle Temple in 1580? and succeeded his father in 1602. In 1584, he was elected Member of Parliament for Bere Alston, in 1597 for Tavistock and in 1601 for Brackley. He was created Knight of the Bath by James I at his coronation on 25 July 1603. He was appointed High Sheriff of Northamptonshire for 1595?-1596. In 1604 Montagu was elected MP for Northamptonshire. On 9 February 1605, with other gentlemen of Northamptonshire, he presented a petition to the king in favour of those ministers in the county who refused subscription. The petitioners were warned that their combination in a cause against which the king had shewed his mislike? '?…was little less than treason.?'? Montagu was for the time deprived of his lieutenancy and justiceship of the peace in the county. He was one of the key founders of what is known today as Guy Fawkes Night through his sponsorship, in Parliament, of the Observance of 5th November Act 1605. He was re-elected MP for Northamptonshire in 1614 for the Addled Parliament and in 1621. He was created Baron Montagu of Boughton on 29 June 1621. Montagu supported King Charles I in the Civil War which led to his arrest in August 1642. He was imprisoned for a time in the Tower of London but was moved to the Savoy Hospital due to ill health and died a prisoner in 1644. He was buried at Weekley. Fine condition. Scarce.
4th-3rd century BC. An iron dagger and associated scabbard; the dagger with carp's tongue blade, flared lower guard, rounded grip, hollow T-shaped pommel with four large rivets, silver inlay to the hollow lower guard; the scabbard with median projections to connect with the lower guard and two T-shaped cotton-reel attachment points for the belt or baldric, four discoid lateral buttons to the finial; the lower guard with panels of inlaid silver wire in lattice patterns with guilloche border, similar ropework and guilloche patterns to the waist, and lower body, cross-in-circle designs to the lateral buttons; the blade lentoid in section with midrib; Iberian workmanship. See Capwell, Dr. T. Knives, Daggers and Bayonets, London, 2009 for discussion. 344 grams total, 29.5cm (11 1/2"). Property of a Suffolk gentleman; acquired before 2000. Accompanied by a report of metallurgic analytical results, written by Metallurgist Dr. Brian Gilmour of the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford. The dagger and its elaborate sheath bear distinctive decoration in the technique later known as Tauschierarbeit when it reappeared in the early medieval period. The process involves laying out a design on the metal surface, then carefully incising a narrow (typically 0.5mm or less) slot into the surface. The slot is then further worked with a graving tool to enlarge the hollow inner faces, creating a wedge-shaped profile to the cut with the narrow edge at the top. The silver wire is then made slightly over-width for the slot's dimensions, placed over the slot and slowly worked down with a flat-faced hammer so that the displaced metal expands into the lower part of the slot and fills the void. The process is repeated for every separate line in the design. The four discoid buttons at the lower end of the scabbard are an unusual feature of this type with parallels in many Iron Age cultures of Europe. The two attachment studs would have passed through corresponding slits in a leather or woven textile belt or baldric. The designs chosen for the inlay are all geometrical, mostly based around concentric rectangles and lattice or guilloche patterns. The reverse of the scabbard and hilt are both undecorated because expensive and labour-intensive ornament was reserved for the surfaces which could be displayed. The ornament may have held some symbolic meaning which is no longer recoverable. The organic grip would have been carved to accommodate the fingers and to facilitate a firm hold on the hilt. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] [2] Very fine condition. Rare.
17th-18th century AD. A large matched pair of gold earrings, each a penannular hoop with coiled ends, lateral spur with turquoise and silver spacer beads, two collars securing a vertical bar with granule cluster and coiled body, garnet oblate bead, gold granule collar, banded agate spherical bead, hollow gold cone with domed underside, filigree detailing. 12 grams total, 75-77mm (3"). From the collection of a North London lady; acquired in the 1980s. [2] Very fine condition.
Late 19th-early 20th century AD. A silver-gilt goblet with bell-shaped foot, bulb to the stem, deep bowl, surface decorated with polychrome enamelled plaques and tendrils, stars of David, facetted garnet cabochons, probably a Kiddush cup used for blessing wine on Friday evenings. 343 grams, 17.7cm (7"). From the family collection of a Hampstead gentleman; formerly acquired in the 1980s. Fine condition.
19th century AD or earlier. A silver Achaemenid-style spoon with oval bowl, handle formed as a duck head attached to the bowl, banded collar, leaping lion with detailed mane and paws and recurved terminal in the form of a griffin's head with pointed ears, crested mane and feather detail to the neck. 77 grams, 14.2cm (5 1/2"). Property of a London gentleman; previously acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s. Fine condition.
Late 2nd millennium BC. A bronze figure of a deity, seated frontal with joined legs and upright torso, right arm raised in a benediction gesture, left arm bent to hold an object in a fisted hand; wearing a short crown with rounded top with the remains of silver cladding, and a long dress with fringed border and decorated collar; narrow face with light features; peg extending from the rear and below the feet for insertion onto a throne; mounted on a custom-made stand. 1.7 kg total, 21cm including stand (8 1/4"). From an English private collection, 1973-2012; previously in the Hormann collection, Germany, 1946-1973; formerly with Elie Bustros, Beirut. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Fine condition. Rare.
8th-10th century AD. A matched pair of silver-gilt earrings, each a twisted hoop with coiled wire panels, three hollow bulbs with applied filigree detailing. See Entwistle, C. & Adams, N. Intelligible Beauty, Recent Research into Byzantine Jewellery, London, 2010 for discussion. 28 grams total, 47mm each (2"). Property of a European businessman; formerly in a Belgium collection; previously from an old German collection. [2, No Reserve] Fine condition.
3rd-7th century AD. A parcel-gilt silver dish with low basal ring, chamfered rim; band of incised trefoils within the rim and gilt ring with ropework border; central motif a standing peacock with partly displayed tail, banded nimbus to the head. See Godard, F. The Art of Iran, London, 1965 for discussion. 372 grams, 22.5cm (9"). Property of a London gentleman; previously acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s. Fine condition, slight cracking below rim.
7th-10th century AD. A mixed group of three buckles comprising: two silver-gilt, one with oblong plaque, tongue formed as a bird's head; one discoid with inset glass heart, tongue formed a a zoomorphic head; and one with plaque formed as a triangle and disc, with four cloison carnelian. 72 grams total, 36-59mm (1 1/2 - 2 1/4"). Property of a European businessman; formerly in a Belgium collection; previously from an old German collection. [3, No Reserve] Fine condition.
10th-13th century AD. A silver hollow cross pendant with filigree border and central figure of corpus christi, suspension loop to the top; trefoil ribbed hoop; plaited chain with terminal in the form of dragon with filigree design. 56 grams, 45 cm (17 3/4"). From a London W1, UK, collection; acquired on the German art market before 2000. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
3rd-7th century AD. An iron sousser long-sword in its scabbard (wooden traces visible to the blade's surface); the blade slender and long (64cm tip to grip), two-edged and parallel-sided, lentoid in section with small rounded tip; two sheet-silver rectangular sleeves at the mouth and mid-point, each with rolled edges and a P-shaped lateral panel with suspension fitting for attachment to the sword belt (goti); similarly formed lower guard formed to slide behind the bow of the P-shaped panel, with rolled edges; tubular grip in two sections with bosses to the outer face; conical pommel with incised rosette detailing. Cf. Khorasani, M.M. Arms and Armour from Iran. The Bronze Age to the End of the Qajar Period, Tübingen, 2006, p.84-95. 906 grams, 77.5cm overall (30 1/2"). From the collection of a North London gentleman; acquired in the 1980s. Accompanied by a positive metallurgic analytical report, written by Metallurgist Dr. Brian Gilmour of the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford. The sword is of standard early Sassanian type depicted on rock carvings at e.g. Ardeshir, Shapur and Bahram but not well represented in the archaeological record. Influences on sword design include local Parthian traditions, earlier Assyrian weaponry, Scythian akenakes swords and even contact with Han Dynasty China (206 BC-220 AD) or cultures influenced by them. Fine condition, some restoration. Rare.
6th-7th century AD. A gilt silver brooch in the form of a stylised raven with spiral beak, claw and feathers. Cf. Menghin, W. The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, item V.3.9.1 for style. 6.4 grams, 3cm (1 1/4"). Property of a North West London gallery; formerly in a 1980s collection. Very fine condition.
1st-2nd century AD. A bronze discoid phalera or pendant with concentric rings to the border and integral loop, domed centre with gorgoneion, serpents to the cheeks and wings to the brow, silver to the eyes. See Appels, A. & Laycock, S. Roman Buckles and Military Fittings, Witham, 2007. 99 grams, 80mm (3 1/4"). Property of a London collector; acquired on the London market, 1990s-2000s. Very fine condition.
9th-10th century AD. A complete drum brooch with central lozengiform knop to the domed upper face; the outer sidewall with panels of regularly spaced points, four tongue-shaped dividing panels with tremolier detailing extending beyond the upper rim; the upper face with cruciform bands, the quadrants filled with knots of three-strand bands; a separate baseplate with engraved tremolier frames and radiating arms, four attachment rivets, with a pin and catchplate. See MacGregor, A. et al. A Summary Catalogue of the Continental Archaeological Collections (Roman Iron Age, Migration Period, Early Medieval), Oxford, 1997, item 1.8; Rydh, H. Dosformiga Spännen från Vikingatiden, Stockholm, 1919. 84 grams, 51mm (2"). Property of a 19th century collector; thence by descent. Drum brooches (also called ‘box brooches’, Swedish Dosspännen) were a Scandinavian fashion of the Viking period, beginning in the late 8th century AD and featuring Oseberg style gripping-beast motifs. They remained popular throughout the period into the 11th century AD. They are especially associated with the island of Gotland, the crossroads of trade and traffic in the Baltic where a variety of cultural influences were felt. Occasional examples occur elsewhere in the area of Scandinavian power, plausibly associated with the movement of brides from Gotland to foreign homelands. The earliest (8th century) examples are high-quality multi-part castings with lavish use of gold, parcel-gilding and silver; by the later Viking age they appear in bronze and gilt bronze. The original artistic motifs also evolve into more geometric forms with increased use of knotwork. As a type, they are characterised by their discoid upper face divided into symmetrical quadrants often with openwork detail; cords and faux-ropework to the edges are a consistent feature of the design. Some feature a separate cast upper plate, and on others it is the baseplate which is separate, as on the present example; occasionally the central knop is also a separate casting. It has been suggested that drum brooches were used to hold small valuables, although this seems improbable – these were normally suspended from the girdle or necklace for display. They were most probably used to fasten the triangular shawl or mantle which covered the upper body, in the dress fashion which included the heavy hängerok dress which was worn outside the undershift; the hängerok was often of rich fabric with embroidered borders, and the metal jewellery and glass beads were used to add richness to the costume. It may be this type of brooch (or the tortoise form) which was referred to by the Arab traveller Ibn Fadlan when he mentioned that Rus women wore on their chests drum-shaped brooches of iron, copper, silver or gold, whose decoration indicated the wealth of their husbands. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Extremely fine condition. Extremely rare.
10th-12th century AD. A sheet silver chamfron with pierced and rivetted rim, central waisted tubular plume-holder with flared rim; possibly from the Varangian Guard. 60 grams, 13.5cm (5 1/4"). Property of a European businessman; formerly in a Belgian collection; previously from an old German collection. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
1st century BC. A sheet silver drinking cup comprising a foot with beaded rim, balustered stem, mammiform body with flared mouth, two bands of punched beading, chamfered rim to the inner face; two lateral strap handles, each a teardrop panel attached to the lower body supporting a ribbed bracket dividing into two curved rods with knop finials. 172 grams, 13cm across including handles (5"). Property of a European businessman; formerly in a Belgium collection; previously from an old German collection. A similar, smaller vessel of more ornate design is in the British Museum with accession number 20.49.3. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Very fine condition, handles and foot re-affixed.
9th-11th century AD. A silver ellipsoid pendant with filigree ropework rim and openwork looped design, tubular suspension loop, with keeled rock crystal 'magnifier'. Cf. Thunmark-Nylen, L. Die Wikingerzeit Gotlands II: Typentafeln, Stockholm, 1998, pl.170, items 15-20. 16 grams, 45mm (1 3/4"). Property of a lady living in Kent, UK; formerly part of her grandfather's collection; acquired in Germany after WWII; thence by descent 2006. Fine condition.
6th-7th century AD. A silver belt buckle comprising: hinged loop with couch to the forward edge; tongue with scooped recess towards the rear; openwork plaque with punched detailing, transverse band and serpents flanking a quatrefoil, vesica terminal with facing female; pierced lugs to the reverse. See Wamser, L. Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004. 35 grams, 79mm (3 1/4"). Property of a London gentleman; acquired by his father in the 1970s; thence by descent. Very fine condition.
17th century AD. A silver finger ring with D-section hoop and octagonal bezel; floral design to the shoulders, to the bezel two standing armoured figures surrounded by a floral frame and border. 15.66 grams, 26.22mm overall, 22.72mm internal diameter (approximate size British Y 1/2, USA 12 1/4, Europe 28.20, Japan 27) (1"). Property of a European businessman; formerly in a Belgium collection; previously from an old German collection. [No Reserve] Fine condition. A large wearable size.
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