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Lot 545
18th-19th century AD. A group of five stone Shiva Lingas, conical egg shape in a buff coloured fine grained stone with natural red markings to the top; three mounted on custom-made stands. 4.12 kg total, 3-19cm (1 1/4 - 7 1/2"). Property of a Sussex, UK collector; acquired UK 1990s. Narmada Shiva Lingas come from the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh, India, one of the seven sacred holy places of pilgrimage in India. The collection of these stones is passed down from generation to generation.They are gathered on one sacred day of the year from an area near the source of the Narmada about three hundred miles north of Mumbai. They are polished into the traditional egg shape by the action of the river. The Linga, meaning 'sign', is an abstract or aniconic representation of the Hindu deity, Shiva, used for worship in temples and smaller shrines, and derives from ancient phallic worship, possibly as far back as the Indus civilisation. In traditional Indian society, the Linga is seen as a symbol of the energy and potential of Shiva himself. The Linga is often represented alongside the yoni (Sanskrit word meaning origin and representing the womb), a symbol of the goddess or of Shakti, the female creative energy. The union of Lingam and Yoni represents the indivisible two-in-oneness of male and female, the passive space and active time from which all life originates. [5] Fine condition.
Lot 58
Middle Kingdom, 12th Dynasty, 1991-1806 BC. A stone kohl pot with pear-shaped body, flat, sharply protruding disk base: very broad, flat-topped, thin, flaring brim, short concave neck; straight carved hole to the middle. 146 grams, 50mm (2"). From an early 20th century collection. Fine condition.
Lot 588
Circa 3000 BC. A substantial stone cylinder seal with geometric design; supplied with a museum-quality impression; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: Cylinder Seal of Fawn Stone, 34 x 27 mm. The design consists of a repeated motif of three grooves, the two longer ones curving towards the short one at the end. Some finer cuts to supply quadruped heads to the ends of the grooves are no doubt recutting. This is a seal of c. 3,000 B.C., from Syria / Anatolia / Palestine, related to the Jemdet Nasr style of Mesopotamia. Some parts of the surface are well preserved, but there is some corrosion in other parts. 44 grams, 34mm (1 1/4"). Property of a London gentleman; part of his family collection since the 1970s; supplied with a museum-quality impression and scholarly note by Professor W. G. Lambert. This lot is part of a single collection of cylinder seals which were examined in the 1980s by Professor Lambert and most are accompanied by his own detailed notes; the collection has recently been reviewed by Dr. Ronald Bonewitz. Fine condition, usage wear.
Lot 595
16th-9th century BC. A red stone octagonal amuletic bead with cuneiform inscription to each face reading: 1) zi ki-a! (ibd.: ZA) pà(d) (IGI-RU) x Be exorcised by the life of the earth, 2) zi an-na ?é be (exorcised) by the life of heaven! 3) dinanna (MÙŠ) e-ne-šè? The goddess Ištar .... 4) NE x gu-la ... the healing goddess Gula. 5) lú an-na As a man of heaven, 6) an lugal liš-me may the heaven god Anum grant the king! 7) dzu/an-zu nu-ru … 8) du (KA) én (ŠU(U)-AN) é-nu-ru Enuru-incantation formula. 10.31 grams, 32mm (1 1/4"). Property of a London gentleman; acquired before 1980. Very fine condition. Rare.
Lot 697
19th century AD. A gilt bronze Gau or amulet case decorated to the lid with the figure of the goddess Arya Tara, body, arms, legs and head made from turquoise, crown to the top of the head, coral earrings, holding a lotus flower in each hand ending in a carnelian flower bud, seated on a carnelian lotus flower; scrolling pattern to the background, to the corners a faceted green stone with four coral beads to the edge; to the border a repeating frieze of square and oblong turquoise beads; ribbed suspension ring to the top with two turquoise beads; to the base a vajra-shaped amulet with three turquoise beads; lid hinged and opens to reveal to the inside the figure of Avalokiteshvara with body, arms, legs and face made from coral; four armed with front hands in prayer, to the left holding a rosary, to the right a lotus flower with turquoise flower; seated on a turquoise lotus flower; scrolling metal work decoration to the background; to each corner a turquoise bead with three faceted green stones to the side; to the edge a series of turquoise beads; to the inside and outside edges of the box wire work decoration in the form of lotus petals and chevrons. 175 grams, 88mm (3 1/2"). Property of a Middlesex collector; acquired on the London art market; formerly in an old English collection. Very fine condition.
Lot 715
12th-13th century AD. A hollow-formed gold ring with round-section hoop, carinated bezel with inset sapphire cabochon, single engraved line of calligraphic text. Cf. Chadour, A.B. Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 562 for type. 3.41 grams, 26mm overall, 17.95mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15) (1"). Property of a London gentleman; acquired in the late 1970s and 1980s. Dr Bonewitz notes: 'The stone is a medium to pale blue sapphire weighing approximately four carats, probably from Sri Lanka or Myanmar at this period.' Fine condition.
Lot 734
15th-16th century AD. A large carved stone stele with raised panel decorated with a low-and high-relief arcading, with sub-triangular panel below; above, arabesque floral motifs; the outer border with similar floral frieze. 16 kg, 60cm (23 1/2"). Property of an Essex gentleman; formerly in a London collection; acquired in the 1960s. Fine condition, repaired.
Lot 767
3rd-1st century BC. A limestone head of a male deity, round head with pecked details to the top for hair; face with large lentoid eyes, flat nose and drooping moustache; thick neck to an irregularly shaped body. Cf. Jackson, S. Celtic and Other Stone Heads, Leeds, 1973, for discussion. 10.98 kg, 29cm (11 1/2"). Property of a Dutch collector; acquired on the European art market before 2000. Fine condition, features re-worked.
Lot 809
6th-4th millennium BC. A substantial flaked axe of fine workmanship in rich black flint, ovoid in section with convex cutting edge, butt with ancient chip; inked notation 'River Thames below Formosa Place, Cookham, Berks. 1971. SU908849.' and collector's label marked '68'. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Stone Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain, London, 1897, item 13. 630 grams, 18cm (7"). The Chris Rudd collection, Norfolk, UK; formed since the 1970s; collection number SA8; previously in the Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired Bonham's, sale 18817, lot 226 (part), 13 April 2011; ex Robert Stephen Murray Collection; found river Thames, Formosa Place, Cookham, Berkshire, UK, 1971 (O.S. Ref: SU 908849); accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. Chris Rudd has collected ancient coins and antiquities since the 1940s. As an amateur archaeologist he found many himself at Badbury Rings, Dorset, 1952-53. He also dug at Hod Hill with Professor Sir Ian Richmond and at Wroxeter with Dame Kathleen Kenyon and Dr Graham Webster. Today he is best known as a Celtic coin dealer. His catalogues have been described as ‘an important research source’ by Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe and ‘treasure houses of delight’ by Dr Anne Ross. Coins and artefacts associated with Chris Rudd – as a collector, dealer and valuer – can be seen in The British Museum and other museums. This collection was formed since the 1970s. Fine condition.
Lot 810
Neolithic, 6th-4th millennium BC. A polished dark grey stone axehead with convex cutting edge, narrow butt; inked collector's notation 'River Thames below Maidenhead Court, Berks, 1971. SU906835' and sticker marked '74'. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Stone Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain, London, 1897, item 50. 329 grams, 14.5cm (5 1/4"). The Chris Rudd collection, Norfolk, UK; formed since the 1970s; collection number SA18; previously in the Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired Bonham's, sale 18817, lot 226 (part), 13 April 2011; previously in the Robert Stephen Murray Collection; found river Thames, Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK, 1971 (O.S. Ref: SU 906835); accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. Chris Rudd has collected ancient coins and antiquities since the 1940s. As an amateur archaeologist he found many himself at Badbury Rings, Dorset, 1952-53. He also dug at Hod Hill with Professor Sir Ian Richmond and at Wroxeter with Dame Kathleen Kenyon and Dr Graham Webster. Today he is best known as a Celtic coin dealer. His catalogues have been described as ‘an important research source’ by Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe and ‘treasure houses of delight’ by Dr Anne Ross. Coins and artefacts associated with Chris Rudd – as a collector, dealer and valuer – can be seen in The British Museum and other museums. This collection was formed since the 1970s. Fine condition.
Lot 811
Neolithic, 6th-4th millennium BC. A ground and polished grey stone axe with narrow butt, straight sides, slightly convex cutting edge; inked label to upper face '75 Prob. Cornwall'. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Stone Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain, London, 1897, item 66. 336 grams, 14.5cm (5 3/4"). The Chris Rudd collection, Norfolk, UK; formed since the 1970s; collection number SA17; previously in the Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired privately, 2005; accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. Chris Rudd has collected ancient coins and antiquities since the 1940s. As an amateur archaeologist he found many himself at Badbury Rings, Dorset, 1952-53. He also dug at Hod Hill with Professor Sir Ian Richmond and at Wroxeter with Dame Kathleen Kenyon and Dr Graham Webster. Today he is best known as a Celtic coin dealer. His catalogues have been described as ‘an important research source’ by Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe and ‘treasure houses of delight’ by Dr Anne Ross. Coins and artefacts associated with Chris Rudd – as a collector, dealer and valuer – can be seen in The British Museum and other museums. This collection was formed since the 1970s. Fine condition; some evidence that the butt has been used as a hammer.
Lot 812
Neolithic, 6th-4th millennium BC. A knapped and polished grey flint axe with narrow square butt and slightly convex cutting edge. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Stone Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain, London, 1897, item 35a. 244 grams, 13cm (5"). The Chris Rudd collection, Norfolk, UK; formed since the 1970s; collection number SA14; previously in the Sir Richard Ground (1949-2014) Collection, Derbyshire, UK; acquired privately, 2007; found near Stanhoe, Norfolk, UK, 2001; accompanied by Sir Richard's personal illustrated catalogue sheets which describe the piece fully, give details and circumstances of his acquisition, academic references and general notes. Chris Rudd has collected ancient coins and antiquities since the 1940s. As an amateur archaeologist he found many himself at Badbury Rings, Dorset, 1952-53. He also dug at Hod Hill with Professor Sir Ian Richmond and at Wroxeter with Dame Kathleen Kenyon and Dr Graham Webster. Today he is best known as a Celtic coin dealer. His catalogues have been described as ‘an important research source’ by Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe and ‘treasure houses of delight’ by Dr Anne Ross. Coins and artefacts associated with Chris Rudd – as a collector, dealer and valuer – can be seen in The British Museum and other museums. This collection was formed since the 1970s. Fine condition, minor loss to butt.
Lot 855
Neolithic, 5th-3rd millennium BC. A finely formed and fully polished axehead with slightly convex cutting edge; in a graduated grey flint. Cf. Evans, John, Ancient Stone Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain, London, 1897, fig. 54. 240 grams, 95mm (3 3/4"). The Chris Rudd collection, Norfolk, UK; formed since the 1970s; collection number SA22; formerly the property of a gentleman, by descent from his father, who formed his collection in the 1990s; found Warwickshire, UK in 1985. Chris Rudd has collected ancient coins and antiquities since the 1940s. As an amateur archaeologist he found many himself at Badbury Rings, Dorset, 1952-53. He also dug at Hod Hill with Professor Sir Ian Richmond and at Wroxeter with Dame Kathleen Kenyon and Dr Graham Webster. Today he is best known as a Celtic coin dealer. His catalogues have been described as ‘an important research source’ by Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe and ‘treasure houses of delight’ by Dr Anne Ross. Coins and artefacts associated with Chris Rudd – as a collector, dealer and valuer – can be seen in The British Museum and other museums. This collection was formed since the 1970s. Extremely fine condition.
Lot 858
Neolithic, 4th-3rd millennium BC. A thin-section polished axe of trapezoidal form, with slightly convex cutting edge; in an opaque grey-white flint. Cf. Evans, John, Ancient Stone Implements Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain, fig. 69. 150 grams, 10.5cm (4 1/4"). The Chris Rudd collection, Norfolk, UK; formed since the 1970s; collection number SA23; formerly property of a gentleman, by descent from his father, who formed his collection in the 1990s; found Axminster, Devon, UK, in 1992. Chris Rudd has collected ancient coins and antiquities since the 1940s. As an amateur archaeologist he found many himself at Badbury Rings, Dorset, 1952-53. He also dug at Hod Hill with Professor Sir Ian Richmond and at Wroxeter with Dame Kathleen Kenyon and Dr Graham Webster. Today he is best known as a Celtic coin dealer. His catalogues have been described as ‘an important research source’ by Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe and ‘treasure houses of delight’ by Dr Anne Ross. Coins and artefacts associated with Chris Rudd – as a collector, dealer and valuer – can be seen in The British Museum and other museums. This collection was formed since the 1970s. Fine condition.
Lot 861
Neolithic, 6th-4th millennium BC. A polished green rhyolite axehead with rounded butt and square cutting edge; xenolith inclusions to the stone. Cf. Evans, J. The Ancient Stone Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain, London, 1897. 147 grams, 10cm (4"). The Chris Rudd collection, Norfolk, UK; formed since the 1970s; collection number SA20; found near Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, UK. Chris Rudd has collected ancient coins and antiquities since the 1940s. As an amateur archaeologist he found many himself at Badbury Rings, Dorset, 1952-53. He also dug at Hod Hill with Professor Sir Ian Richmond and at Wroxeter with Dame Kathleen Kenyon and Dr Graham Webster. Today he is best known as a Celtic coin dealer. His catalogues have been described as ‘an important research source’ by Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe and ‘treasure houses of delight’ by Dr Anne Ross. Coins and artefacts associated with Chris Rudd – as a collector, dealer and valuer – can be seen in The British Museum and other museums. This collection was formed since the 1970s. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
Lot 2009
5th millennium BC-19th century AD. A group of artefacts consisting of: a flint blade; a conical loom weight; a glass face bead; the rim from a pottery vessel; a pottery sherd with ring handle; a shell; a piece of slag; a stone cow head, a stamp seal of a reclining bull, engraved to the underside with a series of reclining bulls; a Thor's Hammer; a bronze statuette of a naked toddler; a bronze figure of a striding male with erect phallus; nine ceramic tubular fittings; a glass bottle with three hearts to the centre of the body; a bronze fish with series of dots to the head and snake to the tail; a Greek lekythos with back net pattern to body; a ceramic conical item with arching top, cross incised to the side of the body. 14.8 kg total, 12-14cm (1/4 - 5 1/2"). From the collection of a Mayfair, London, UK, gentleman; acquired from a Mayfair gallery before 1999; inventory nos. 2538, 824 and 825. [25, No Reserve] Fine condition.
Lot 2156
17th-19th century AD. A carved stone rectangular house shrine with two flanking columns resting on a rectangular base, rectangular pediment, crenellated upper screen with square recesses. 10 kg, 28cm (11"). From an important London collection, acquired in the 1970s. Small shrines such as this are particularly popular in Rajasthan where they are built into the fabric of a wall, usually in a house, and contain an image of a family deity. Fine condition.
Lot 2196
4th-1st century BC. A carved haematite (?) stone cylinder seal with central motif of a standing winged figure facing a robed female playing a lyre, a tambourine and double-flute female musicians. 16.42 grams, 28mm (1"). From a large London collection; formed between 1980-late 1990s. Very fine condition.
Lot 2206
2nd millennium BC. A stone carving of a head with cap of hair in circles at the top, small features to the face and thick neck, guitar-shaped idol design to underside. 173 grams, 57mm (2 1/4"). The property of an English gentleman; formerly in a German collection; acquired 1980s-early 1990s. Fine condition.
Lot 2751
. A cut and polished chalcedonic and hematitic geode halves displaying polished faces with deep red central area in a light brown to white periphery, also known as 'Somerset potato stone'. 570 grams total, 100mm (4"). Ex Dr M. G. 'Sam' Weller, MBE, collection, Cornwall, UK; from Dulcote Quarry, Somerset, UK, supplied with 'Henson, Knight, Weller Exchange Collection' label and Dr Wellers personal collection label. Dr Maurice G. Weller, MBE, Ph.D, FISC, traded for many years as 'Sam Weller Minerals' following an interest held from the age of 12 years when he inherited a 19th century family collection; he was a member and sometime President of the Royal Geological Society of Cornwall and a member of Cornwall Archaeological Society (born Cornwall, 31 March 1931"). He had joined the RAF as a young man and spent 22 years in developing sophisticated military radar technology (for which he was awarded his MBE) until he medically retired in 1969, after which he established Yonder Town Field Studies Centre in Newquay, Cornwall before moving to Pendeen. Sam has now decided that the time has come to part with his private collection of minerals, including a number from historic Cornish sites, some with 19th century pedigrees. [2. No Reserve] Fine condition.
Lot 3185
253-268 AD. Obv: AY K P L K GALLIHNOC legend with laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: CELEYKEWN TWN KALYK legend with Athena standing right, wielding spear at a giant at her feet which is about to throw a stone at her. SNG Levante 789; SNG Pfalz 1086. 9.35 grams. ("). Very fine.
Lot 117
5th-3rd century BC. A set of gold foil appliqués each a rectangle with gilded sides, pierced for attachment, balustered border above and scalloped below; central repoussé figure of a winged lion advancing, seven facing right and four facing left. 25 grams total, 33-34mm (1 1/4"). Property of a private collector; acquired before 1975. Such appliques were sown onto the robes of wealthy men and women and are mostly associated with the Thracian and Scythian nomadic people who lived in the regions to the north of Greece that were settled by Greek colonists. This colonisation of these regions resulted in a fusion of art styles and a preponderance of gold ornament that was loved by the nomadic Thracians and Scythians. The winged lion is a rare subject in Greek art and may possibly be related to the Chimera of Greek myth, though this was usually depicted with a goat's head along the back and a snake for a tail. It is most likely derived from Persian examples which are associated with the Achaemenid royal family. The winged lion appears on the Graeco-Persian coinage of the city of Mytilene on the island of Lesbos and dating to 521 BC. The winged lion also appears in stone sculpture, most notably from the Greek colonies of South Italy, where they acted as funerary monuments. [11] Fine condition.
Lot 1357
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 BC. A stone amulet of an amphora with lateral flanges to the body, dentilled crest above. 3.84 grams, 43mm (1 3/4"). Ex Michael Nellist collection, Cornwall, UK; acquired from Bernard Pickard, Dorset, UK in 2007; accompanied by a signed receipt. The Mike Nellist Collection. His interest in antiquity was piqued when, during the 1970s, he spent some time working in Israel and had the opportunity to visit Roman-period locations including Lake Galilee and Masada, the site of the famous Judaean revolt and subsequent massacre. He made his first purchases at that time and was soon building an enviable collection of artefacts. While at university, he was able to study human remains at first hand in conjunction with archaeological research and from there his passion for the human aspects of historical research was kindled. Now retired, Mike indulges one of his other passions – wildlife and nature photography. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
Lot 1445
Kushite Period, 25th Dynasty, 746-653 BC. A green stone pendant in the form of Amun Ra in the form of a facing ram head; horns curving around face, incised details to the eyes and horns; sun-disc to the top pierced for suspension. 2.62 grams, 25mm (1"). Property of a London gentleman; acquired by his father in the 1970s; thence by descent. Fine condition.
Lot 1453
Roman Period, 30 BC-323 AD. A dark stone scarab with ribbed carapace and detailed underside. Cf. Andrews, C. Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, item 59(d"). 9.05 grams, 27mm (1"). Ex Michael Nellist collection, Cornwall, UK; acquired on the UK art market 1970-2000. The Mike Nellist Collection. His interest in antiquity was piqued when, during the 1970s, he spent some time working in Israel and had the opportunity to visit Roman-period locations including Lake Galilee and Masada, the site of the famous Judaean revolt and subsequent massacre. He made his first purchases at that time and was soon building an enviable collection of artefacts. While at university, he was able to study human remains at first hand in conjunction with archaeological research and from there his passion for the human aspects of historical research was kindled. Now retired, Mike indulges one of his other passions – wildlife and nature photography. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
Lot 1456
Late Period, 664-332 BC. A carved stone amulet of two fingers with ledge to the reverse. Cf. Andrews, C. Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, p.85. 5.26 grams, 27mm (1"). Ex Michael Nellist collection, Cornwall, UK; acquired on the UK art market 1970-2000. The Mike Nellist Collection. His interest in antiquity was piqued when, during the 1970s, he spent some time working in Israel and had the opportunity to visit Roman-period locations including Lake Galilee and Masada, the site of the famous Judaean revolt and subsequent massacre. He made his first purchases at that time and was soon building an enviable collection of artefacts. While at university, he was able to study human remains at first hand in conjunction with archaeological research and from there his passion for the human aspects of historical research was kindled. Now retired, Mike indulges one of his other passions – wildlife and nature photography. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
Lot 1461
Late Dynastic Period, 664-332 BC. A flat stone amulet of addorsed curled feathers peseh kef with scooped lower edge, median dividing slot. Cf. Andrews, C. Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, item 85(a); Flinders Petrie, W.M. Amulets illustrated by the Egyptian Collection in University College, London, reprinted London, 1994, item 38(d"). 3.29 grams, 24mm (1"). Ex Michael Nellist collection, Cornwall, UK; acquired on the UK art market 1970-2000. The Mike Nellist Collection. His interest in antiquity was piqued when, during the 1970s, he spent some time working in Israel and had the opportunity to visit Roman-period locations including Lake Galilee and Masada, the site of the famous Judaean revolt and subsequent massacre. He made his first purchases at that time and was soon building an enviable collection of artefacts. While at university, he was able to study human remains at first hand in conjunction with archaeological research and from there his passion for the human aspects of historical research was kindled. Now retired, Mike indulges one of his other passions – wildlife and nature photography. [No Reserve] Fine condition.
Lot 148
1st-3rd century AD. A rock crystal vessel with facetted sidewall, chamfered shoulder, conical finial, two lateral right-angled handles; circular rim with applied gold sheath. 138 grams, 82mm (3 1/4"). From an English private collection; formerly acquired in 1968. Accompanied with geologic report No.TL003120, by geologic consultant Dr R. L. Bonewitz. Pliny the Elder in his Natural History, mentions a number of sources for rock crystal, such as Asia Minor, Cyprus, Portugal and the Alps, though he states the best came from India. The stone was fashioned into vessels in Bronze Age Greece as well as Cyprus, Asia Minor, Egypt and Mesopotamia. The use of rock crystal for vessels fell out of fashion in Classical Greece but was revived in the Hellenistic period where it was associated with the wealthy elite in such cities as Alexandria and Antioch. In the Roman Empire rock crystal was highly valued and according to Pliny, Livia, the wife of Augustus, dedicated a block weighing one hundred and fifty pounds on the Capitol; he also mentions a wealthy Roman woman paying one hundred and fifty thousand sestertii for a single rock crystal dipper. Suetonius mentions that Nero had two crystal cups carved with Homeric scenes that he broke when he received the news that the Senate had called for his execution. The high value placed by the Romans on rock crystal can be seen in the high degree of carving that the surviving pieces have, and their relative rarity compared to other stone vessels. Extremely fine condition. Rare.
Lot 153
1st century AD. An emerald or rare chromium green chalcedony cloison, intaglio frieze depicting three figures on a baseline: a central bearded figure in armour with wreath to the brow holding a sceptre in the crook of his left arm, right arm bent around a spear held by an advancing figure in profile wearing a sagum (military cloak) and helmet with a spear resting on his shoulder, third figure in military dress, bareheaded with a spear and other object(s) in the crook of his left arm; set in a substantial later gold ring. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L. Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 202 for type. 24.11 grams, 27.66mm overall, 20.56 x 15.93mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 3/4, USA 18 1/2, Europe 18 1/2, Japan 17) (1"). Property of a London gentleman; acquired by his father in the 1970s; thence by descent, supplied with geologic report No. TL003122, by geologic consultant Dr R. L. Bonewitz. Dr. Bonewitz opines that emeralds of this size and colour were very rare in the Roman world but are not unknown. The other possibility – chromium chalcedony (also called chrome chalcedony) – is itself a rarity in ancient jewelry. Its source was in modern Turkey (then Anatolia), and the stone disappeared from Roman jewelry in the second century AD. The source was small and was not rediscovered until late in the 20th century. In either instance the stone is rare and unusual. [A video of this lot is available on the TimeLine Auctions website] Extremely fine condition. A large wearable size.
Lot 1561
1st-2nd century AD. A small D-section silver ring with insert discoid red stone Faunus (Pan) intaglio. 6.48 grams, 20.45mm overall, 15.51mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8) (3/4"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Very fine condition.
Lot 1722
1st-2nd century AD. A group of stone and marble objects consisting of: a marble left hand, three sections of robe, one with inked inscription stating 'Temple of Apollo Naxos'; a marble leg; two stone quern stones, one with iron tang to the top and both with holes to the centre. 10 kg total, 6.5-26cm (2 1/2 - 10 1/4"). From the collection of a Mayfair, London, UK, gentleman; acquired from a Mayfair gallery before 1999; inventory nos. 2538, 824 and 825. [7, No Reserve] Fair condition.
Lot 18
Late Period, 664-332 BC. A pair of eye fittings from a sarcophagus or mummy mask with bronze eye lid and kohl trail; calcite inlay for the eye with brown stone inlay for the pupil. 45 grams total, 70mm (2 3/4"). Property of a collector living in West London; part of his family's collection; acquired in the late 1960s. [2] Fair condition.
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400965 item(s)/page