37 minute read
Medieval & Islamic
259. BYZANTINE MARBLE RELIQUARY BOX WITH CROSS - PUBLISHED
Ca. 400-600 AD
Starting Price: £10000
An early Byzantine marble reliquary resembling a small sarcophagus with a gabled roof lid. The lower part features an engraved Greek cross with concentric circles in its angles. A libation hole at the cross’s base allows liquid to exit. A rare example of late Roman-inspired Byzantine reliquary. Comes with a historical report by Ancient Report Specialists.
Reference: Rom und Byzanz, no. 14, p. 26, and S. Eyice, “Reliquaries en form de sarcophage en Anatolie et a Istanbul,” Istanbul Arkeoloji Muzeleri Yilligi 15-16 (1969), pp. 97-144.
Provenance: Private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Richard Wagner Collection, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, 1970’s. Published in “Beloved By Time: Four Millennia of Ancient Art” (Fortuna Fine Arts Ltd., New York, 2000) no. 207, p. 118. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: L:300mm / W:380mm ; 30kg
260. MEDIEVAL KNIGHTS TEMPLAR IRON TWO HANDED SWORD WITH COAT OF ARMS
Ca. 1300-1400 AD
Starting Price: £15000
An extremely rare Knights Templar two handed iron sword of Oakeshott type XVa, pommel type H. The Sword has a tapered blade and a partially recessed fuller. The blade culminates in a heavy circular pommel with a raised centre and a thin tapered grip once covered in leather. The pommel also has a templars cross. The tang is inlaid with a copper coat of arms, which consist of a family crest and a stylised eagle with wings outstretched.
Provenance: Property of a central London gallery; formerly in a private German collection, acquired on the German art market in the 1990s. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: L:1620mm / W:320mm ; 3kg
261.RARE MEDIEVAL IRON GREAT HELM WITH FULL REPORT
Ca. 1300-1400 AD
Starting Price: £20000
A remarkable iron Great Helm. It has a barrel-shaped design made by assembling large iron sheets and skilfully riveting them together. The helmet completely covers the wearer’s head for maximum protection in combat. It has small rectangular openings at the front for limited vision and rows of holes for ventilation. Great Helms were important elements of the armour of knights, symbolizing their status and offering strong protection in medieval battles. Cf. The Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin, Inventory no.: W 1003. The helm includes a custom stand and an investigation report from an independent Belgian laboratory (Hebolabo) for age and authenticity.
Provenance: Central London gallery; formerly with a European collector; formerly in a collection of Ing Peter Till formed in 1980s, Vienna. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: L:230mm / W:290mm ; 2kg
262.
Ca. 1000-1300 AD
Starting Price: £5000
A heavy medieval gold ring with a elaborate design, featuring a flat D-shaped hoop and a circular bezel. Inside the bezel, there is a central Jerusalem cross with four smaller crosses at the corners. The ring’s shoulders have fleur-de-lis motifs associated with nobility and heraldry. Accompanied by an independent specialist report and valuation, ref. no.177162/13/07/2021; The ring is also accompanied by a gemmological and historical report by an independent specialist Anna Rogers and a full authentication report.
Provenance: Property of a central London gallery; Ex. collection of a Surrey gentleman UK; acquired on the UK art market; previously on the European art market before 2000. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: D:19.15mm / US: 9 1/4 / UK: S; 24.42g
Starting Price: £3000
Viking Age, Ca. 900-1000
A Spangenhelm-type helmet comprised of four pieces of iron, riveted to form a slightly pointed bowl shape. For similar see: De. Vries, K., 2012. Medieval Military Technology. Toronto, Ontario: University of Toronto Press. For a similar, but with nasal guard, see: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number: 29.158.32.
Provenance: Private UK collection; from an old London collection formed in the 1990s. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: L:200mm / W:235mm ; 1.01kg
Starting Price: £3000
Viking Age, Ca. 900-1100 AD
A Spangenhelm-type helmet comprised of four pieces of iron, riveted to form a slightly pointed bowl shape. For similar, but with nasal guard, see: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number: 29.158.32.
Provenance: Private UK collection; from an old London collection formed in the 1990s.
Size: L:165mm / W:200mm ; 890g
265. LATE VIKING / NORMAN SWORD WITH CIRCULAR POMMEL
Ca. 1025-1380 AD
Starting Price: £1500
A stunning iron sword Oakshott type ‘G’, with a wide blade almost parallel that tapers down to a sharpish point. The blade is double edged, with a central fuller which travels down to nearly the end of the blade. The hilt is short and one-handed, finished with a circular pommel.
Provenance: Ex. European collection formed between 2000 to 2020. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: L:1070mm / W:223mm ; 1.48kg
266. MEDIEVAL SWORD WITH ROUND
Ca. 1180-1500 AD
Starting Price: £1800
An excellent iron sword of Oakshott type ‘I’. Consisting of a double-edged, bevelled and pointed blade with a shallow groove, straight cross guard, and integrated grip. At the hilt, there is a round pommel of raised centre and an inlay of triangular shapes of a different metal.
Provenance: Ex. European collection formed between 2000 to 2020. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: L:950mm / W:205mm ; 1.58kg
267. MEDIEVAL SWORD WITH ROUND POMMEL
Ca. 1250-1350 AD
Starting Price:
An iron sword of Oakshott type ‘J’. With a double-edged, bevelled and pointed blade with a shallow groove, straight cross guard, and integrated grip with a round pommel.
Provenance: Ex. European collection formed between 2000 to 2020. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database
Size: L:1020mm / W:170mm ; 1.45kg
268. PRE-VIKING HUGE SILVER-GILT STRAP WITH EAGLE HEADS
Northern/Central Europe, Ca. 600-800 AD
Starting Price: £10000
A stunning silver-gilt strap distributor with a central round plate and four eagle-head fittings. The design features intricate notch decorations with gilding. There is a captivating decorative stone positioned in the centre. Excellent condition. Item comes with a professional historical report from Ancient Report Specialists.
Provenance: Property of a London ancient art gallery; Ex. South German private collection. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database
Size: L:260mm / W:250mm ; 330g
269. HEAVY VIKING GOLD OPEN-TYPE BRAIDED BRACELET - 105 GRAMS
Ca.
900-1100 AD
Starting Price: £20000
A rare penannular gold bracelet, expertly crafted with intertwined strands of gold. The bracelet has terminal ends that gently splay outwards, adorned with meticulously stamped opposing triangles.The Viking Age, from the late 8th to the early 11th century, was known for seafaring warriors and cultural achievements in Northern Europe. Accompanied by a X-ray fluorescence authentication report from Oxford Labs ltd, 2015, certificate number: F918430.
Provenance: Property of a European collector; acquired on the UK Art market; previously the property of an East Anglian collector; acquired in Europe in the late 1940s. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: L:78mm / W:89mm ; 105g
270.HUGE VIKING GOLD TWISTED RING
Ca. 900-1100 AD
Starting Price: £5000
A gold twisted finger ring with an interplay of thicker and finer ropework threads. The Vikings, known for their audacious seafaring and martial prowess, emerged in the late 8th to early 11th century AD from present-day Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, leaving a lasting mark on Europe. For similar see: The British Museum, Museum number 2011,8022.1. Accompanied by a X-ray fluorescence authentication report from Oxford Labs ltd, 2012, certificate number: F918282.
Provenance: Property of Central London gallery; Ex. Clements collection; acquired in Northern Europe, late 1940s-early 1950s. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: D:18.75mm / US:8 3/4 / UK:R ; 18.14g
271.VIKING GOLD MJOLNIR THOR’S HAMMER PENDANT
Ca. 900-1000 AD
Starting Price: £3000
A gold pendant shaped like a flat, double-headed hammer. This design is connected to ‘Mjollnir,’ the famous hammer of the Norse god, Thor. The pendant has punched triangles decoration, enclosed by short lines around the edges. It has a collar and a rounded suspension loop at the top, while the back is plain and flat.
Provenance: Property of London ancient art gallery, acquired on the UK art market; Ex. private German collection, formed late 1980s. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: L:20mm / W:15mm ; 4.32g
272. MASSIVE VIKING SILVER TWISTED RING
Ca. 900-1000 AD
Starting Price: £800
A round silver finger ring formed from twisted silver rods. Other, more delicate, silver rods are also coiled around the shoulders of the ring and have trailing ends which are intended to evoke the form of a snake. This snake could relate to Jormungard, a snake or dragon from Norse mythology also known as the ‘Midgard Serpent’. He lives in the ocean that surrounds Midgard, the visible world. He was so enormous that his body was said to form a circle around the entirety of Midgard. He is one of the three children of Loki and the giantess Angrboda, along with Hel and Fenrir.
Provenance: Property of a London Ancient Art Gallery; formerly in the famous Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; acquired between early 1960s to 1990s. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: D: 15.29mm / US:4 1/4 / UK:I ; 24.54g
Starting Price: £900
Ca. 900-1100 AD
A Viking rock cyrstal bead in possibly later high carat gold setting, comprised of woven, cage-like golden wire, twisted neatly around bead. The design features a suspension loop.
Provenance: Private UK collection; formerly in the collection of Mr. R. Unger; previously with a London gallery; acquired in the 1980s on the UK art market. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: L:47mm / W:16mm ; 8.74g
274. VIKING AGE CARNELIAN BEAD IN GOLD PENDANT
Ca. 900-1100 AD
Starting Price: £900
A Viking carnelian bead in possibly later high carat gold setting, comprised of woven, cage-like golden wire, twisted neatly around bead. The design features a suspension loop.
Provenance: Private UK collection; formerly in the collection of Mr. R. Unger; previously with a London gallery; acquired in the 1980s on the UK art market. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: L:33mm / W:20mm ; 6.65g
275. HEAVY AND RARE VIKING HACK GOLD RING - 39 grms
Ca. 900-1100 AD
A substantial and unusual ring, composed of twisted Viking hack gold bar.
Starting Price: £3000
Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: D:15.49mm / US:4 3/4 / UK:J ; 38.66g
276. RARE VIKING GOLD PENDANT DEPICTING JORMUNGAN-
DR
Ca. 900-1000 AD
Starting Price: £3000
A gold disc pendant that features a raised central knob surrounded by beaded borders. It displays intricate curvilinear and knotted cord-patterned motif symbolising Jormungandr the mythalogical sea serpent. These pendants held symbolic importance in Viking culture, representing protection, fertility, and life cycles. Accompanied by a X-ray fluorescence authentication report from Oxford Labs ltd, 2016, certificate number: F918653.
Provenance: A private collection; formerly property of a professional; acquired on the European art market in the 1980s. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: L:41mm / W:39mm ; 10.95g
277. SUPERB VIKING GOLD RING
Ca. 900-1100 AD
Starting Price: £2000
A gold ring with slightly flat sides, adorned with a pattern of evenly spaced incisions. There are two facing triangular motifs, each adorned with three meticulously punched dots. Accompanied by a X-ray fluorescence authentication report from Oxford Labs ltd, 2012, certificate number: F918283.
Provenance: Propery of a European collector; formerly property of a West Yorkshire lady; collected 1978-2008. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: D: 19.15mm / US: 9 1/4 / UK: S; 12.14g
278. RARE VIKING GOLD PENDANT
Ca. 900-1000 AD
Starting Price: £3000
A Viking gold cross pendant. Elaborately applied grandulation, four stylised beast heads at each terminal with loop for supention above. It comes with a full authentication report.
Provenance: Private UK collection; From an old London collection formed in the 1990s. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: L:40mm / W:35mm ; 8.36g
279.
Pendant
Starting Price: £5000
A gold pendant in the shape of Odin’s head. It features intricate gold filigree beading that forms the facial features, hair, beard, and moustache with the eyes set back for inlay. At the top, there is a square-shaped projection serving as a suspension loop, adorned with granulated decoration.
Provenance: Property of a London Ancient Art gallery, formerly a private collection; formed 1965-1975. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: L:40mm / W:24mm ; 10.66g
280.
Starting Price: £5000
A Migration period gold finger ring, round with a flat interior. The bezel is of a polygonal shape, with intricate geometric patterns around the edges. On top of the ring is a coneshaped setting that holds a pyramidal garnet gem. For similar see: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number: L.2015.72.6.
Provenance: Property of a London Ancient art collector, formerly in a Mayfair private collection of Mr. P. S., formerly acquired on the UK art market since the 1970s. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: D:19.96mm / US:10 1/4 / UK:U ; 13g
November 2023
281.
Ca. 1400-1500 AD
GOLD ICONOGRAPHIC RING - WITH REPORT
Starting Price: £5000
A gold ring consisting of ten interconnected plaques – five circular and five rectangular. The circular beads feature raised domes with an eight-pointed star motif set against a cross-hatched background. Accompanied by a X-ray fluorescence authentication report from Oxford Labs ltd, 2016, certificate number: F918662.
Provenance: Private European collection; ex. Skerne & Wansford, East Riding of Yorkshire, UK. Recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme with reference number NCL807A73. Accompanied by the Art Loss Register certificate Ref.: S00117825.
Size: D:17.53mm / US:7 1/4 / UK:O ; 4.84g
Starting Price: £900
Ca. 900-1100 AD
A gold finger ring with a flat hoop that gently widens and ends in a large circular bezel. The bezel is carefully decorated with a border of stamped dots and holds a central garnet gem in vibrant red. In medieval times, garnets were highly valued for their intense colours.
Provenance: From the private collection of an Essex gentleman; previously in an old British Collection, formed in the 1990s.
Size: D:15.49mm / US:4 3/4 / UK:J ; 5.4g
With
Starting Price: £2000
Ca. 600-800 AD
A gold cross pendant, with four arms and a rectangular raised cell in the centre containing a green chalcedony stone. The arms are intricately decorated with scrollwork and beading. Small pearls in circular cells adorn each corner. The back of the pendant is plain, and it has a loop for hanging at the top. It comes with a full authentication report.
Provenance: Private UK collection; formerly in the collection of Mr. R. Unger; previously with a London gallery; acquired in the 1990s on the UK art market. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: L:36mm / W:23mm ; 6.61g
284. BYZANTINE MATCHED PAIR OF GOLD EARRINGS
Ca. 800 AD
Starting Price: £900
A pair of meticulously crafted earrings showcasing an elaborate design. Fastened with a gold wire hook and eye closure, positioned above a ribbed plaque. Beneath, a graceful crescent shape that displays intricate surface openwork. At the heart of each earring, meticulous cloisonne triangular and circular gem settings, enveloped by filigree work. A circular, turquiose gem hangs at the bottom of the design.
Provenance: Property of a professional London art expert; obtained from an old British collection formed in the 1980s. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: L:50mm / W:37mm ; 5.74g
Ca. 600-800 AD
Starting Price: £100
A bronze crucifix pendant that depicts Jesus on the Cross. This symbol represents his crucifixion, with the vertical line connecting humanity and divinity, and the horizontal line representing the earthly realm.
Provenance: From the private collection of a South London art professional; previously in a collection formed on the UK/European art market in the 1990s.
Size: L:40mm / W:25mm ; 4.88g
Starting Price: £100
290.
Ca. 500-600 AD
Starting Price: £200
A small bronze weight with some decorative markings and a silver “I B” inscription. In Byzantine times, such weights ensured fair trade and facilitated economic transactions, serving as practical tools and historical records.
Provenance: Property of a private UK collector, acquired pre 2000.
Size: L:19mm / W:19mm ; 13.26g
Starting Price: £200
Ca. 600-800 AD
A bronze cross pendant with flaring arms and a suspension loop. It features a motif of concentric punched circles, symbolising the Five Wounds of Christ. These represent Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice for humanity’s sins in the Christian faith.
Provenance: From the private collection of a South London art professional; previously in a collection formed on the UK/European art market in the 1990s.
Size: L:30mm / W:15mm ; 2.86g
287.
Ca. 1000-1500 AD
Starting Price: £100
A bronze cross pendant, featuring a smaller incised cross within. It has a suspension loop for wearing as a pendant. The cross is a central symbol of Christianity, representing Christ’s crucifixion and humanity’s redemption.
Provenance: From the private collection of a South London art professional; previously in a collection formed on the UK/European art market in the 1990s.
Size: L:36mm / W:24mm ; 5.13g
Starting Price: £400
Ca. 300-100 BC
A slim silver ring with a snake-like appearance. It has a square-shaped bezel adorned with punched dots and lines, a departure from the usual circular designs. The Celts, an ancient European people, were known for their intricate metalwork in jewellery and other items.
Provenance: Property of a London Ancient art collector, formerly in a Mayfair private collection of Mr. P. S., formerly acquired on the UK art market since the 1970s.
Size: D:19.15mm / US: 9 1/4 / UK: S; 3.68g
292. RARE BYZANTINE HERALDIC SILVER-GILT SEAL WITH DOUBLE-HEADED EAGLE
Ca. 600-800 AD
Starting Price: £300
A silver-gilt seal with a slender hoop and a large bezel featuring a double-headed eagle. This bird symbolises authority and imperial power. The double-headed eagle was originally a symbol of the Roman Empire, representing control over the Eastern and Western regions.
Provenance: Property of a London Ancient art collector, formerly in a Mayfair private collection of Mr. P. S., formerly acquired on the UK art market since the 1970s.
Size: D:17.53mm / US: 7 1/4 / UK: O; 6.05g
293.
RING
Ca. 800 AD
Ca. 500-800 AD
A bronze cross with round decorations at the ends of each arm and concentric circles on both sides. This type of cross was attached to a long bronze or wooden pole and used for Chrisitian rituals.
Provenance: Property of a private UK collector, acquired pre 2000.
Size: L:120mm / W:90mm ; 125g
289.
Ca. 800-1000 AD
Starting Price: £500
A cast-bronze reliquary cross pendant with two cru- ciform plaques that open for relic or document stor- age, depicting the crucified Christ on both faces. Relics, the physical remains of a holy site or holy person, or objects with which they had contact, were revered as early as the 3rd century AD and remained potent symbolic objects in medieval Christianity. Comes with a modern necklace cord and is wearable.
Provenance: Private UK collection; From an old London collection formed in the 1990s. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: L:165mm / W:80mm ; 275g
Starting Price: £100
A silver ring that has an elegant design with a slim hoop, two attached silver hoops, and a bezel with decorative patterns.
Provenance: Property of a London Ancient art collector, formerly in a Mayfair private collection of Mr. P. S., formerly acquired on the UK art market since the 1970s.
Size: D:16.71mm / US: 6 1/4 / UK: M; 14.22g
Starting Price: £200
Ca. 800 AD
A silver ring with a flat-section hoop and an intricate, almond-shaped bezel depicting floral motifs.
Provenance: Property of a professional London art expert; obtained from an old British collection formed in the 1980s.
Size: D:18.75mm / US: 8 3/4 / UK: R; 10.84g
Ca. 600-800 AD
Starting Price: £100
A silver ring with a slender hoop that expands gracefully to culminate in an octagonal bezel. The bezel is adorned with a monogram, an amalgamation of letters typically denoting a specific individual, family, or affiliation.
Provenance: Property of a London Ancient art collector, formerly in a Mayfair private collection of Mr. P. S., formerly acquired on the UK art market since the 1970s.
Size: D:17.93mm / US: 7 3/4 / UK: P; 7.88g
296. POST MEDIEVAL INSCRIBED SILVER RING
Ca. 1600 AD
Starting Price: £100
A silver finger ring with a flat inner hoop and a rounded outer edge. Decorative panels on the shoulders feature intricate motifs. At the top is a sizable bezel with an inscribed with the name “NIKOLAS” lines below a cross motif.
Provenance: Property of a London Ancient art collector, formerly in a Mayfair private collection of Mr. P. S., formerly acquired on the UK art market since the 1970s.
Size: D:18.75mm / US: 8 3/4 / UK: R; 5.54g
297.VIKING AGE SILVER
RING
Ca. 900-1100 AD
Starting Price: £100
A silver finger ring with a flat band and an intricately engraved bezel. Viking silversmiths used silver to craft valuable, culturally significant jewellery. These pieces were indicative of one’s social status and cultural identity.
Provenance: Property of a professional London art expert; obtained from an old British collection formed in the 1980s.
Size: D:16.92mm / US: 6 1/2 / UK: M 1/2; 2.07g
Starting Price: £100
A silver archer’s ring with a curved exterior and a flat interior. It features a decorative triangular extension. Archer’s rings were vital tools in medieval archery, reducing friction for accurate shooting and symbolising expertise in the craft.
Provenance: Property of a professional London art expert; obtained from an old British collection formed in the 1980s.
Size: D:14.27mm / US: 3 / UK: F 1/2; 3.17g
Starting Price: £300
A large silver ring with a round hoop and a Star of Bethlehem motif on the bezel. The Star of Bethlehem is a Christian symbol that represents the birth of Jesus Christ. It was used in jewellery during the Crusades to celebrate Christ’s mission and the victory of Christianity over other forces.
Provenance: Property of a London Ancient art collector, formerly in a Mayfair private collection of Mr. P. S., formerly acquired on the UK art market since the 1970s.
Size: D:18.34mm / US: 8 1/4 / UK: Q; 31.27g
300.MEDIEVAL SILVER FLORAL-SHAPED RING
European, ca. 1400 AD
Starting Price: £200
A silver ring with a wide, flat hoop, incised shoulders, and a floral-shaped bezel with six petals. Rings like this may have been given as symbols of love and devotion in the Middle Ages. Flowers held var- ious spiritual meanings during this time, with roses symbolising the Virgin Mary and lilies, among others, representing purity.
Provenance: Property of a London Ancient art col- lector, formerly in a Mayfair private collection of Mr. P. S., formerly acquired on the UK art market since the 1970s.
Size: D:17.93mm / US: 7 3/4 / UK: P; 19.96g
301.CRUSADERS SILVER RING
Ca. 1100-1400 AD
Starting Price: £100
A silver ring, boasting an intricate hoop and a circular bezel adorned with a five-pointed star. This exquisite artefact harks back to the era of the Crusades, a sequence of medieval military expeditions spanning the 11th to the 13th centuries. The noble endeavour of the Crusades was embarked upon with the lofty ambition of reclaiming sacred Christian pilgrimage destinations, most notably Jerusalem, from the dominion of Muslim rule, spurred by a complex interplay of religious devotion and geopolitical motivations.
Provenance: Property of a London Ancient art collector, formerly in a Mayfair private collection of Mr. P. S., formerly acquired on the UK art market since the 1970s.
Size: D:18.75mm / US: 8 3/4 / UK: R; 10.21g
302. CRUSADERS PERIOD SILVER RING WITH COAT OF ARMS
Ca. 1100-1400 AD
Starting Price: £100
A silver ring with a flat-sectioned hoop and a bezel displaying a coat of arms. These heraldic symbols represented family, social, or territorial affiliations. These rings served both as ornaments and communication tools, conveying the wearer’s lineage, affiliations, and exploits during the Crusades.
Provenance: Provenance: Property of a London Ancient art collector, formerly in a Mayfair private collection of Mr. P. S., formerly acquired on the UK art market since the 1970s.
Size: D:18.75mm / US: 8 3/4 / UK: R; 3.69g
Starting Price: £600
Ca. 1300 AD
A rare English silver-gilt ring with Latin inscription (Jesus of Nazareth). The piece is further decorated with a raised Canterbury cross, a pair of shaking hands and a historic motif underneath.
Provenance: Property of a London gentleman, purchased on the London art market in 2022; Ex. Datu collection; previously found in Hertfordshire in 1997.
Size: D:20.17mm / US: 10 1/2 / UK: U 1/2; 4.57g
Starting Price: £500
Ca. 1600-1700 AD
A gilt silver Fede ring with a braided-like band. At the centre, it bears the clasped hands motif under a crown, symbolising love and commitment. The Claddagh ring, like this one, is an iconic symbol of Irish culture, representing love, loyalty, and friendship.
Provenance: Property of a London Ancient art collector, formerly in a Mayfair private collection of Mr. P. S., formerly acquired on the UK art market since the 1970s.
Size: D:18.75mm / US: 8 3/4 / UK: R; 3.69g
305. RENAISSANCE SILVER GILT RING WITH ROCK
CRYSTAL
Ca. 1500-1600 AD
Starting Price: £100
An intricate silver gilt ring, featuring a plain back hoop and ornate niches along the band. The bezel boasts a ropework border and roundels, showcasing Renaissance opulence and detail.
Provenance: Property of a London Ancient art collector, formerly in a Mayfair private collection of Mr. P. S., formerly acquired on the UK art market since the 1970s.
Size: D:15.9mm / US: 5 1/4 / UK: K; 2.8g
306. LATE MEDIEVAL DECORATED SILVER WEDDING BAND
Ca. 1500 AD
Starting Price: £100
A silver finger band, flat on the inside and gently rounded on the exterior. Diagonal ribs traverse the surface, alternating between plain and incised with small punctuation, creating a interplay of texture and form
Provenance: Property of a London Ancient art collector, formerly in a Mayfair private collection of Mr. P. S., formerly acquired on the UK art market since the 1970s.
Size: D:18.34mm / US: 8 1/4 / UK: Q; 4.8g
Starting Price: £100
310. MEDIEVAL BRONZE RING WITH CROSS
Norman, Ca. 1100 AD
Starting Price: £90
A bronze ring with a flat hoop that widens into a bezel. The bezel has a cross with quatrefoil ends, featuring a “crown of thorns” motif, which symbolises Jesus’ suffering before crucifixion in Christian teachings.
Provenance: Private UK collection; from an old London collection formed in the 1990s.
Size: D:17.12mm / US: 6 3/4 / UK: N; 4.73g
311. BYZANTINE BRONZE
RING
Ca. 600-800 AD
Starting Price: £90
A bronze ring with a rounded hoop and decorative bezel. The Byzantine Empire, based in modern-day Istanbul, lasted over a thousand years, blending Hellenistic culture, Christianity, and Roman laws under strong emperors.
Provenance: Private UK collection; from an old London collection formed in the 1990s.
Size: D:17.12mm / US: 6 3/4 / UK: N; 9g
312. BYZANTINE POTTERY “GREEK FIRE” GRENADE
Ca. 800-1000 AD
Ca. 1600-1700 AD
A silver ring with a round hoop that symbolises continuity and eternity. It holds a flat bezel with an intricate heraldic crest, although time has made some details hard to decipher. Rings like this from this era had rich symbols representing the wearer’s lineage and affiliations.
Provenance: Property of a London Ancient art collector, formerly in a Mayfair private collection of Mr. P. S., formerly acquired on the UK art market since the 1970s.
Size: D:19.56mm / US: 9 3/4 / UK: T; 16.07g
Ca. 900-1100 AD
Starting Price: £200
A bronze tortoise-shaped brooch crafted in the Norse tradition. These brooches were essential for fastening clothing layers and also symbolised status and style in Viking culture. They came in various designs, representing different regions and artistic choices among the Vikings.
Provenance: Private UK collection; from an old London collection formed in the 1990s.
Size: L:70mm / W:45mm ; 145g
Starting Price: £90
Ca. 1100-1400 AD
A bronze ring with a decorative design on the shoulders and a round hoop. The bezel has a central cross motif. The Crusades were a series of European Christian military campaigns between the 11th and 15th centuries to retake the Holy Land from Muslim rule, significantly impacting Europe and the Middle East.
Provenance: Private UK collection; from an old London collection formed in the 1990s.
Size: D:19.56mm / US: 9 3/4 / UK: T; 5.14g
Starting Price: £100
A ceramic grenade, also referred to as ‘Greek Fire’, decorated with grooves and circles, The vessel was used for naval fire warfare in Byzantine military tactics.
Provenance: Private Oxfordshire collection; formerly acquired on the European art market from pre-2000 collections.
Size: L:110mm / W:80mm ; 460g
Starting Price: £100
Ca. 800-1000 AD
A ceramic grenade also referred to as ‘Greek Fire’. This hollow ceramic vessel consists of an elongated bi-conical body, with a short neck and a domed rim. The body is decorated with multiple registers of engraved decoration and a dotted bottom.
Provenance: Private Oxfordshire collection; formerly acquired on the European art market from pre-2000 collections.
Size: L:170mm / W:80mm ; 640g
Starting Price: £100
Ca. 800-1000 AD
A ceramic hollow vessel, with a distinctive bi-conical body, raised mouth, and a ridge encircling the shoulder. Adorned with meticulously incised patterns around the whole body, this vessel showcases intricate attention to detail.
Provenance: Private Oxfordshire collection; formerly acquired on the European art market from pre-2000 collections.
Size: L:135mm / W:85mm ; 520g
Ca. 800-1000 AD
Starting Price: £100
A ceramic hollow vessel featuring a conical-shaped base and a domed top with a spout for filling. A decorative register of raised dots runs through the mid-section of the body.
Provenance: Private Oxfordshire collection; Formerly acquired on the European art market from pre-2000 collections.
Size: L:110mm / W:62mm ; 340g
317.
Ca. 900-1100 AD
Starting Price: £100
An iron axe head featuring a sharp curved blade, ideal for swift slashing in battle. Its tapering cheek adds durability and balance, while a socket on the heavy butt allows for pole attachment, making it versatile for hand-held or extended combat.
Provenance: Private UK collection; formerly acquired on the European art market from pre-2000 collections.
Size: L:150mm / W:200mm ; 900g
318. VIKING AGE IRON AXE HEAD
Ca. 900-1100 AD
Starting Price: £100
An iron axe head with a narrow blade that flares toward a rounded cutting edge, allowing for precise and effective strikes. Cf. The British Museum, Museum number 1852,0329.409.
Provenance: Private UK collection; formerly acquired on the European art market from pre-2000 collections.
Size: L:80mm / W:200mm ; 680g
319. VIKING AGE IRON AXE HEAD
Ca. 900-1100 AD
Starting Price: £100
An iron axe head with a curved blade for efficient cutting and chopping. Its tapered cheek adds strength, suitable for combat and tasks like tree cutting.
Provenance: Private UK collection; formerly acquired on the European art market from pre-2000 collections.
Size: L:130mm / W:190mm ; 675g
320.
Viking Age Iron Axe Head
Ca. 900-1100 AD
Starting Price: £100
Ca. 800-1000 AD
A ceramic hollow vessel featuring a bi-conical body that tapers to a pointed base, and to the other end it finishes with a pronounced spout for filling. A decorative ridge runs around the upper section of the vessel, showcasing the intricacy and attention to detail of Byzantine artisans
Provenance: Private Oxfordshire collection; Formerly acquired on the European art market from pre-2000 collections.
Size: L:130mm / W:81mm ; 455g
Starting Price: £100
An iron axe head with bearded design allowing for versatile cutting. It has a heavy end with an opening to attach a pole or handle, ensuring a strong grip and better control.
Provenance: Private UK collection; formerly acquired on the European art market from pre-2000 collections.
Size: L:110mm / W:160mm ; 805g
321. VIKING AGE IRON AXE HEAD
Ca. 900-1100 AD
Starting Price: £100
An iron axe head with a curved cutting edge that extends below the ends width, making it efficient for cutting and chopping. The tapering cheek adds balance, and the wide end opening allows for pole attachment.
Provenance: Private UK collection; formerly acquired on the European art market from pre-2000 collections.
Size: L:90mm / W:200mm ; 600g
322. VIKING AGE IRON AXE HEAD
Ca. 900-1100 AD
Starting Price: £100
An iron axe head with a curved blade, a tapered cheek for sturdyness, and a rear socket with a hammer part, making it a versitle piece for both chopping and hammering.
Provenance: Private UK collection; formerly acquired on the European art market from pre-2000 collections.
Size: L:140mm / W:190mm ; 505g
323. VIKING AGE IRON AXE HEAD
Ca. 900-1100 AD
Starting Price: £100
An iron axe head rendered with a curved cutting edge for versatile use. The piece was likely found in a settlement area, where it would have been used for domestic puposes.
Provenance: Private UK collection; formerly acquired on the European art market from pre-2000 collections.
Size: L:60mm / W:200mm ; 400g
324.VIKING AGE IRON AXE HEAD
Ca. 900-1100 AD
Starting Price: £100
An iron axe head with a curved cutting edge for versatile and efficient cutting. The tapering cheek adds balance, and the wide end opening allows for a pole attachment.
Provenance: Private UK collection; formerly acquired on the European art market from pre-2000 collections.
Size: L:80mm / W:160mm ; 280g
325. VIKING AGE IRON AXE HEAD
Ca. 900-1100 AD
Starting Price: £100
An iron axe head with a bearded design and a curved cutting edge, enabling efficient chopping and cutting. It possesses a substantial end with an aperture for affixing a pole or handle.
Provenance: Private UK collection; formerly acquired on the European art market from pre-2000 collections.
Size: L:100mm / W:130mm ; 285g
326. VIKING AGE IRON AXE HEAD
Ca. 900-1100 AD
Starting Price: £100
An iron axe head with a sharp, curved blade for effective combat. The tapering cheek adds strength and balance. You can find more information in H. Arbman, Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940.
Provenance: Private UK collection; formerly acquired on the European art market from pre-2000 collections.
Size: L:60mm / W:140mm ; 180g
327. SHORT MEDIEVAL DAGGER / KNIFE WITH FLORET BUTTON POMMEL
Ca. 1200-1400 AD
Starting Price: £250
A short iron single-edged dagger/knife, with a straight cross guard and tapering tang to floret button pommel.
Provenance: Ex. European collection formed between 2000 to 2020.
Size: L:390mm / W:105mm ; 395g
328. MEDIEVAL DAGGER / STILETTO WITH BUTTON CROSS GUARD AND POMMEL
Ca. 1300-1400 AD
Starting Price: £200
An iron dagger/stiletto featuring a double-edged slender blade with a button-shaped cross guard, rectangular-section tang finished with a circular pommel.
Provenance: Ex. European collection formed between 2000 to 2020.
Size: L:340mm / W:40mm ; 230g
329. LATE MEDIEVAL BOLLOCK DAGGER / KNIFE WITH GOLD INLAID CROSS
Starting Price: £300
An iron Bollock dagger/knife. The handle is made of wood and a hilt plate survives between the cross guard and blade. There is a Maltese cross inlay/ makers mark on the blade. A thin fuller appears to run up one edge of the blade.
Provenance: Ex. European collection formed between 2000 to 2020.
Size: L:395mm / W:70mm ; 320g
Starting Price: £300
A well-preserved paramerion sword with a characteristic single-edged blade with a slight curvature. A paramerion is a distinctive form of saber sword, used by both foot soldiers and cavalry. For similar see: The Museum of Applied Art, Belgrade, 1120.
Provenance: Private UK collection; From an old London collection formed in the 1990s.
Size: L:1100mm / W:32mm ; 1.22kg
331. RARE BYZANTINE IRON PARAMERION SWORD
Ca. 1300 - 1400 AD
Starting Price: £300
A well-preserved paramerion sword with a characteristic single-edged blade of slight curvature. A paramerion is a distinctive form of saber sword, used by both foot soldiers and cavalry. For similar see The Museum of Applied Art, Belgrade, 1120.
Provenance: Private UK collection; From an old London collection formed in the 1990s.
Size: L:75mm / W:32mm ; 510g
332. SELJUK TERRACOTTA PAIR OF DECORATIVE TILES
Ca. 1100-1200 AD
Starting Price: £900
A pair of rectangular terracotta decorative tiles. The upper surface has an intricately designed central rosette. The design comprises of hexagonal and star-shaped niches, each adorned with a profusion of meticulously wrought motifs. The Seljuks, a Turkic dynasty from Central Asia, formed an empire in 1037 AD and made significant contributions to Islamic art and architecture.
Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: L:490mm / W:345mm ; 10.3kg
333. GHAZNAVID MARBLE DADO PANEL
Ca. Early 1200 AD
Starting Price: £500
A marble dado panel displaying Kufic script along its upper edge. The central register features tri-lobed leaf elements and vegetal motifs, possibly originally adorned with vivid pigments and gold leaf. Kufic script originated in the 7th century and became prominent in Islamic art and inscriptions. Cf. The Brooklyn Museum, Accession Number 83.163.
Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: L:460mm / W:430mm ; 12kg
Starting Price: £200
Ca.
A rectangular terracotta tile with detailed flower designs from the Seljuk dynasty, a powerful empire in the 11th century known for their military strength and unique art influenced by different cultures.
Provenance: Property of a London Islamic art specialist collector; previously in a collection formed since the 1980s.
Size: L:75mm / W:210mm ; 1.45kg
Starting Price: £200
Ca.
A bronze bowl with an elegant shape and calligraphic inscriptions below the rim, reflecting Safavid artistic traditions and possibly conveying poetic verses or prayers.
Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market since the 1970s.
Size: L:110mm / W:170mm ; 930g
336. EARLY ISLAMIC ZOOMORPHIC GLASS VESSEL
Ca. late 600–700 AD
Starting Price: £500
A glass vessel in the form of a horned creature, displaying elegance and symmetry. This early Islamic glasswork is representative of the fine craftsmanship created from the 7th to 13th centuries AD. Islamic glass production during this period showcased intricate techniques, resulting in a diverse corpus of glassware with vibrant colours and patterns.
Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: L:70mm / W:75mm ; 45g
Starting Price: £450
Ca. Late 1200 AD
A conical bowl with a ring foot features a vegetal arabesque motif in black and blue. Inside, a central cross divides the bowl into quadrants filled with lush vegetal motifs, reflecting Kashan ceramic art’s blend of geometric and organic design.
Provenance: Private collection, purchased in action pre-2000.
Size: L:140mm / W:180mm ; 1.2kg
338.
POTTERY BOWL
Ca. 800-900 century AD
Starting Price: £100
A pottery bowl with a truncated cone profile and a low ring foot. The interior features meticulous designs emanating from a central roundel, while the warm palette of browns, oranges, and yellows contrasts with the unadorned exterior.
Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.
Size: L:75mm / W:200mm ; 365g
339. NISHAPUR POTTERY BOWL
Ca. 800-900 century AD
Starting Price: £100
A pottery bowl with a deep flaring basin, featuring a lustrous cross design in shades of blue and turquoise. Islamic lustreware, dating from the 9th century in regions under Islamic rule, involved the application of metallic oxides on glazed surfaces, resulting in a metallic sheen and ethereal luminosity.
Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.
Size: L:65mm / W:162mm ; 210g
340. NISHAPUR POTTERY BOWL
Ca. 800-900 century AD
Starting Price: £100
A pottery bowl with a truncated cone form, adorned with intricate script along the exterior and a lustrous celestial design within. Islamic lustreware, flourishing during the Islamic Golden Age, involved metallic oxides applied over glaze, creating iridescent luminosity.
Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.
Size: L:65mm / W:155mm ; 180g
Starting Price: £100
Ca. 1100-1200 AD
A pottery bowl with a truncated conical form, elevated foot, and light turquoise glaze displaying cracks.
Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.
Size: L:65mm / W:145mm ; 165g
Starting Price: £500
Ca. 900 AD
A gold pendant with calligraphy around the edge and an intricate openwork frog in the centre. It comes from 9th-century Andalusia during the Islamic Golden Age when Arab Andalusians made significant contributions to arts and sciences, influencing European intellectual traditions. It comes with a full authentication report.
Provenance: Private UK collection; formerly in the collection of Mr. R. Unger; previously with a London gallery; acquired in the 1980s on the UK art market. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: L:30mm / W:25mm ; 5.82g
Starting Price: £200
Ca. 1500-1600 AD
A silver ring with a flat-sectioned hoop and a remarkable dome-shaped bezel. The bezel features tiered construction, ropework raised borders, and fine granules, showcasing superb craftsmanship. The central granule is particularly striking and commands attention.
Provenance: Property of a professional London art expert; obtained from an old British collection formed in the 1980s.
Size: D: 17.12mm / US: 6 3/4 / UK: N; 8.61g
Starting Price: £200
Ca. 1500-1600 AD
A silver finger ring showcasing the excellence of Ottoman craftmanship. The flat hoop remains undecorated, whilst the dome-shaped bezel features raised ropework borders and fine granules creating texture.
Provenance: Property of a professional London art expert; obtained from an old British collection formed in the 1980s.
Size: D: 15.9mm / US: 5 1/4 / UK: K; 10.8g
Starting Price: £100
Ca. 900 AD
A bronze perfume bottle with a pear-shaped body adorned with teardrop designs. It features a stable foot and an embellished mouth. Perfume bottles like this held cultural significance in Abbasid society, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes.
Provenance: Private UK collection; from an old London collection formed in the 1990s.
Size: L:125mm / W:80mm ; 210g
Starting Price: £200
Ca. 800-900 AD
A bronze flask with a squat body, tall flaring foot, tulip-shaped mouth, and decorative engravings. These bronze bottles were used for religious and ceremonial ablutions in Islamic worship due to their unique sprinkler design.
Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market since the 1970s.
Size: L:180mm / W:80mm ; 345g
Starting Price: £100
Ca. 1000-1100 AD
A flat pottery dish with a low ring base, featuring a shiny turquoise glaze and delicate black markings inside, showcasing Seljuk artisans’ skill in form and glazing techniques.
Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market since the 1970s.
Size: L:50mm / W:170mm ; 305g
Starting Price: £100
Ca. 1000-1100 AD
A flat pottery dish with a low ring base, showcasing a beautiful mix of colours and designs. The top suface presents a glossy, clear glaze with black markings and intricate patterns. The reverse is partly glazed and remains undecorated.
Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market since the 1970s.
Size: L:50mm / W:175mm ; 265g
Perfume Bottle
Starting Price: £200
Ca. 1000-1100 AD
A bronze bottle featuring an globular-shaped body adorned with a series of decorative registers. The vessel stands on a tall, flaring foot, whilst the neck extends gracefully into a tubular mouth with a decorative row of knobs.
Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market since the 1970s.
Size: L:130mm / W:90mm ; 240g
Starting Price: £300
Ca. 1000-1100 AD
A silver cuff bracelet with a central ridge and delicate etchings, including round designs and inscriptions. The Seljuk Dynasty, in the 11th century, influenced regions like Persia, Anatolia, and the Levant, blending Turkic, Persian, and Islamic traditions.
Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market since the 1970s.
Size: L:55mm / W:70mm ; 220g
Starting Price: £300
Ca. 1100-1200 AD
A silver penannular bracelet with a central ridge and round rosette designs. In Islamic art, these designs symbolise divine creation and eternal nature, with arabesques representing endlessness and precision through geometric shapes.
Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market since the 1970s.
Size: L:60mm / W:60mm ; 220g
Starting Price: £900
Caucase region possibly Chechnia or Dagestan, Ca. 1800-1900 AD
A very fine steel kindjal dagger featuring a long double-edged blade with deep, central fuller tapering to the point. The hilt and rounded pommel presents intricate silver scroll and granulation designs, further ornamented with a pair of knobs. The fitting scabbard is enhanced with similar decoration to the upper face, whilst the rear is ornamented with beautiful nielloed floral and foliate designs. For similar example see: Christie’s, Live Auction 7905, Russian Art, 29 November 2010, Lot 429.
Provenance: Private London family collection; formed between 1970-2008. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: L:460mm / W:55mm ; 495g
Starting Price: £900
Caucase region possibly Chechnia or Dagestan, Ca 1800 - 1900 AD
A beautiful example of a steel kama kindjal dagger featuring a long, double-edged pointed blade with three central fullers. The characteristic hilt and pommel are embellished with nielloed silver panels of foliate designs and two raised bosses decorated with ropework. The piece is accompanied by a scabbard overlaid with similar nielloed silver decoration, terminating in a chape with a sphere finial. For similar example see: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number: 26.35.9a, b.
Provenance: Private London family collection; formed between 1970-2008. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Size: L:675mm / W:50mm ; 735g
Starting Price: £50
A set of three pottery oil lamps, each with a spherical hollow container and a loop handle. They feature a glaze with cream, blue, brown, and green hues.
Provenance: Private UK collection; from an old London collection formed in the 1990s.
Size: L:90-80mm / W:145-155mm ; 600g
355. GHURID POTTERY STORAGE JAR
Starting Price: £200
A pottery storage jar of rare form. The vessel features a wide spherical-shaped body with a narrow disc foot, a tapering shoulder, and a corseted neck that rapidly widens to a broad lip. A loop handle sits on the upper body painted in black pigment with conical shaped geometric decoration. The exterior surface is covered in a profusion of red and cream-coloured decoration: the centre is features an archer with long lustrious hair and long nose, in the imminent position of firing arrow to its target. The man is seated upon a brown painted horse, with highly stylised features. The jar is further decorated with a register of mythological beasts showcasing ferocious teeth.
Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.
Size: L:250mm / W:230mm ; 1.96kg
