A red glass insert of a profile face with remains of a pharaonic crown to the forehead.

A blue-glazed composition amulet in the form of an ibis (representing the god Thoth) seated on a wedge-shaped base, facing a figure of Maat appearing as a diminutive stooping female with an ostrich feather; some details to both figures rendered in a darker blue glaze; suspension loop to the rear of the bird's neck.

A white limestone figure of the god Ptah with false beard, wearing an enveloping cloak and a broad wesekh-collar, holding the shaft of a was sceptre; serene, oval face with almond-shaped eyes and fleshy lips; remnants of dorsal pillar to reverse; mounted on a custom-made display stand.

A spectacular bronze hydria composed of a tapering body, broad shoulder and waisted neck, the everted rim decorated with egg-and-dart motifs, three round-section handles and tiered, ogival foot; professionally restored.

A red-figure terracotta bell-krater displaying polychrome figural panels between a laurel wreath and a band of Greek key motifs; side a) two robed male figures holding staffs, wearing a taenia or a band around the head, standing facing a central altar; side b) a woman wearing a chiton and holding a casket and olive sprig in her outstretched hands, advancing right towards a nude man standing right, his head turned towards her, holding a bucket and olive sprig, a cloak draped over his arm, elaborate volute palmettes beneath both handles; restored.

A free-standing bronze imperial or military eagle terminal from a staff or a sceptre, modelled in the round in a dynamic pose standing on a globe, wings spread, head turned to the right, semi-naturalistic anatomical and feather detailing; the globe bearing an incised eight-armed stylised Macedonian star; sub-triangular lug to back of the neck; collar to globe with hollow underside.

The best example of only three examples of this type known, a copper-alloy knee brooch composed of a rectangular-section body, spring pin within bow plate and remains of catchplate to reverse; both sides of the body with two panels of Latin lettering moulded in relief: 'FIBUL[A] EX REG LAGITIENSE', translating to 'Brooch from the Regio Lagitiensis' (Roman Castleford); remains of blue glass enamelling to the recessed fields.

A large fired clay brick from the Wall of Babylon bearing six lines of stamped Babylonian cuneiform inscription to one face which reads: 'AG - ku -dur-ri-URU' / 'LUGAL ba-bi-lu' / 'za-ni-nu é-sag-ila' / 'u e-zi-da IBILA' / 'SAG.KAL. sa AG-IBILA-URU' / 'LUGAL ba-bi-lu ana-ku', which translates: 'Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, who provides for Esagila and Ezida, the eldest son of Nabopolassar, king of Babylon, am I'; traces of bitumen on the blank side; accompanied by an old label which reads: 'Brick from the Wall of Babylon / Presented by W.Bro. Gentle-Cackett Secretary Bible Lands Mission / The impression records the fact that it was built by King Nebuchadnezzar [II]'.

A tinned sheet-bronze legionary helmet of Imperial Gallic Type A with deep rounded bowl, simple C-shaped cut-outs for the ears, integral flared neck-guard extending some way along the sides, corrugated ribs to the occipital area at the rear and corrugated 'wings' or eyebrows (Russel-Robinson's Type E) above the brow; small stud the rear of the neck-guard attaching suspension loops to the underside; hinged bracket at each temple for a deeply curved cheek-guard with gently flared rim, bearing a loop to the inner face to accept an vinculum fastening strap; accompanied by a custom-made display stand.

A gilt copper-alloy mount composed of a broad annular body with slightly domed profile, the body quartered with each cell displaying a chip-carved interlace motif configured A:B:A:B; rim, edges and central cell with raised rim; rivet and flat-section mounting bar to reverse.

A bronze bowl mount or escutcheon comprising a discoid panel with gently curved profile and zoomorphic hook; the panel with reserved La Tène comma-leaf decoration on a pounced field (intended to receive enamel fill); the hook with median gusset to the outer face, horse-head finial, bulbous La Tène ornament at the base.

A pair of large Early Anglo-Saxon gilt copper-alloy saucer brooches each comprising a broad (13mm+) angled flange surrounding a central disc with carinated border; outer zone comprising four arches subdivided by hatching to the inner edge and four C-shaped panels with triangular separators, inner zone separated by a carinated border, central disc with four radiating bilinear crescents; pin-lugs and catch to the reverse with traces of mineralised fabric.

A silver chessman-type seal matrix with pierced trefoil head and knop above; central motif of a leopard statant gardant before a tree, pelletted border and blackletter legend '* sigillum [lozenge] steffani [cinquefoil cinquefoil] ale [cinquefoil lozenge] lane' (for 'seal of Stephen [at?] ale lane').

An annular gold band with everted upper and lower lip, filigree ropework above and below each rim, with circumferential inscription to the recessed exterior face; of the five separate bands, the central one accommodating an applied strip of paler gold bearing a Medieval French blackletter inscription in relief, reading: '+loiautet (5 five cinquefoils) pas tout (5 five cinquefoils)', or 'Loyalty Passes All'; the inscription band may once have been enamelled; plain interior; the outer rim and twisted band on one edge are slightly bent; cleaned and repaired.

A substantial gold signet ring composed of a lentoid-section hoop, expanding capital style shaped shoulders and irregular octagonal bezel engraved with a skull, two flowers below separating the reversed initials in capitals: 'CL', framed by a beaded border.

A marble copy of the kneeling Venus (original in the Vatican Museums), crouching on an octagonal base; the arms raised in expressive pose, head tilted, hair drawn up in a chignon; lettering to base 'KNEELING VENUS' and 'ROME'.

A silver chessman-type seal matrix with pierced lug finial above a pierced trefoil on a stepped bulb; central heraldic heater shield within a florid wreath; heraldic design of transverse hatched bars and reserved canton with a cinquefoil, blazoned 'argent two bars on a canton gules a cinquefoil', arms of the Preston family; blackletter legend to the border '* Sigillum : iohannis : prestone' (seal of John [of] Preston). 26.6 grams, 36 mm



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Found in Bilton-in-Ainsty, West Yorkshire, UK, before 2 July 1997. with Sotheby's, 2 July 1997, lot 4. Matrix Collection catalogue no.0227. Many of the seals within the collection were published in a book titled 'The Matrix Collection', by David Morris in 2012. Accompanied by a copy of the illustrated collection notes. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11652-198730.

A silver chessman-type seal matrix with pierced trefoil head and knop above; central motif of a leopard statant gardant before a tree, pelletted border and blackletter legend '* sigillum [lozenge] steffani [cinquefoil cinquefoil] ale [cinquefoil lozenge] lane' (for 'seal of Stephen [at?] ale lane'). 20.5 grams, 36 mm



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Ex Brand Inglis of Motcomb Street, London, UK, in 1988. Matrix Collection catalogue no.8. Many of the seals within the collection were published in a book titled 'The Matrix Collection', by David Morris in 2012. Accompanied by a copy of the illustrated collection notes. Accompanied by an original invoice from Brand Inglis to David Morris dated 29th November 1988. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11653-198740.

A group of two silver heraldic seal matrices connected by a substantial silver chain of later date with a rivetted shackle at each end passing through the pierced finials; Seal A: chessman-type with pierced trefoil finial, four small points close to the edge for alignment of the design; pounced field with reserved florid panel and central heater shield flanked by fronds; heraldic design of three birds' heads in profile and horizontal pounced bar blazoned 'Sable a fess between three eagles' heads erased or', the arms of the Beaubois family; raised outer rim with running vine-scroll detailing with the letters S - R - D - G at the cardinal points; Seal B: chessman-type with pierced knop finial above a pierced lozenge on a bulb with stepped profile; small 'x' by the edge for alignment of the design; heater shield surmounted by a profile eagle's head with beak open, pinions extending around the shoulders of the shield developing to an encircling feathered band with frond below the base; heraldic device of three stars above a dagged border and ermine below 'Ermine, on a chief indented gules three estoiles or'; the arms of the Estcourt family, blackletter legend to the border 'sigillum ibith escourt cleri[c]i' with contraction line above the 'b' letter {seal of [?] Es(t)court, cleric). 52.7 grams, 37 cm long



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Ex old English jewellery collection. A Georgian period fob chain assemblage. Matrix Collection catalogue nos.5509 & 5510. Many of the seals within the collection were published in a book titled 'The Matrix Collection', by David Morris in 2012. Accompanied by copies of illustrated collection notes for both seals. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11654-198734.

This pair of seals most likely became united following the mid-15th century (full date not known) marriage of John de la Estcourt and Alice Beaubois; their only son, also John, died in 1474 A.D.

A bronze chessman-type seal matrix with pierced trefoil finial; hatched field with reserved heater shield bearing a Lombardic capital 'G', band to the rim with incuse legend "* S' : CVSTVME : PANNORVM:". 28.1 grams, 37 mm



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Found Romney Marsh, Kent, UK, on Monday 1st December 2008 by Graham Collard. Matrix Collection catalogue no.4604. Many of the seals within the collection were published in a book titled 'The Matrix Collection', by David Morris in 2012. Accompanied by a copy of the illustrated collection notes. Accompanied by a copy of the UK Detector Finds Database record entry no.16201.

The seal relates to the payment of duty (custume) on imported cloth, and was presumably used by a customs official.

A silver vesica-shaped seal matrix with strap and pierced lug to the reverse; incuse motif of a pair of shears between two small fleurs-de-lys; Lombardic script legend within borders '* S' ROGER · SIMION' (seal of Roger Simion). 14.4 grams, 33 mm



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Matrix Collection catalogue no.0310. Many of the seals within the collection were published in a book titled 'The Matrix Collection', by David Morris in 2012. Accompanied by a copy of the illustrated collection notes.

The shears in the design may indicate that Roger was a tailor.

A bronze vesica-shaped seal matrix with loop to the reverse; central standing nimbate figure of St John the Baptist in loose robe supporting a figure of the Agnus Dei in one hand and pointing to it with the other; Lombardic script text between beaded borders '+ AGNE DEI MISERERE · MEI · QVI · CRIMINA · TOLL' (O Lamb of God who takes away offences, have mercy on me). 15.2 grams, 36 mm



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Matrix Collection catalogue no.907. Many of the seals within the collection were published in a book titled 'The Matrix Collection', by David Morris in 2012. Accompanied by a copy of the illustrated collection notes.

The legend is a paraphrase of John 1:29 where 'peccatum' (sins) stands instead of 'crimina' (offences).

A silver vesica seal matrix with pierced lug to the reverse; central incuse fleur-de-lys motif; outer band with incuse legend "+ SIGIL IOhIS : bARING:" (seal of John Baring); collector number '109' to reverse. 18.4 grams, 35 mm



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Matrix Collection catalogue no.0109. Many of the seals within the collection were published in a book titled 'The Matrix Collection', by David Morris in 2012. Accompanied by a copy of the illustrated collection notes.

The 'A' of Baring is formed with a chevron bar (as is seen on some English coins of the medieval period); the 'N' is retrograde and the 'G' of Lombardic form; a member of the Baring family was Prior of Winchester Abbey (1364-1384 AD) and vesica-shaped matrices are often associated with clerics.

A silver ellipsoid seal matrix with strap to the reverse; incuse motif of crowned Mary seated on a throne with infant Jesus; legend to the edge within pelletted borders '* hErVIV' ECCE RECT' SWINTHORPE'MA' (Harvey, rector of Great Swainsthorpe); later replacement loop to verso. 5.29 grams, 24 mm



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Found near the site of the church of Saint Mary in October 2002. Recorded with Norwich Castle Museum, retained for consideration as Treasure and subsequently returned to the finder. Matrix Collection catalogue no.1036. Many of the seals within the collection were published in a book titled 'The Matrix Collection', by David Morris in 2012. Accompanied by a copy of the illustrated collection notes. Accompanied by a copy of Norwich Castle Museum record slip no.9724 SWAINSTHORPE (G. Linton m/d Oct 02). This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11655-198742

The village of Swainsthorpe is situated in Norfolk, some few miles to the south of Norwich and once boasted two churches (one now ruined).

A bronze vesica-shaped seal matrix with strap and loop to the reverse; incuse motif of an extended right hand holding a crozier on a field of fleurs-de-lys and stars, heraldic shield with lion rampant below; Lombardic script legend to the outer edge within borders "+ S: ABBATIS SCI PETRI AVTYS A[D] CAVSAS" (seal of the abbot of St Peter's, Auxerre). 17.7 grams, 42 mm



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Matrix Collection catalogue no.837. Many of the seals within the collection were published in a book titled 'The Matrix Collection', by David Morris in 2012. Accompanied by a copy of the illustrated collection notes.

The Roman name for Auxerre was Autissiodorum, whence the 'Autys'/'Autis' abbreviation.

A silver seal matrix, discoid with remains of a loop(?) to the reverse; central incuse fleur-de-lys motif with radiating bars to the shoulders; border with incuse Lombardic script legend '+ SIGILLVM : SECRETI' (for seal of a secret). 2.2 grams, 17 mm



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. with Lockdales, Ipswich, 23 March 2003, lot 533. Matrix Collection catalogue no.3949. Many of the seals within the collection were published in a book titled 'The Matrix Collection', by David Morris in 2012. Accompanied by a copy of the illustrated collection notes. Accompanied by a copy of the Lockdales invoice.

A substantial bronze vesica-shaped seal matrix with thick strap and two pierced lugs to the reverse; incuse motif of a standing robed ecclesiastic with processional cross in one hand, the other raised in sign of benediction, nimbus and mitre to the head, three stars in the field; pelletted border with legend in Lombardic script '+ S: ECCLIA : SANCTI : BASILIC : DESTAMPIS' (seal of the holy basilica church of Estampes"). 27.9 grams, 44 mm



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Matrix Collection catalogue no.1087. Many of the seals within the collection were published in a book titled 'The Matrix Collection', by David Morris in 2012. Accompanied by a copy of the illustrated collection notes.

Estampes is located in the Gers department of south-west France where the church is dedicated to Saint Barthélémy.

A substantial bronze vesica-shaped seal matrix with ribbed strap and pierced lug to the reverse; incuse motif of a gothic-style canopy and balustered column over two figures: St John the Baptist to the left in floor-length robe and textured dalmatic holding a figure of the Agnus Dei in his folded arms, Mary Magdalen to the right in floor-length robe and veil holding ointment-pot and a book; below, facing tonsured male kneeling with hands clasped in prayer; Lombardic script legend to the border within beaded lines 'S' BALD' PRIORIS · S · IONIS · DEVANDAO' (seal of Bald[win] prior of St. John of Vand[...]). 23.7 grams, 49 mm



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Matrix Collection catalogue no.835. Many of the seals within the collection were published in a book titled 'The Matrix Collection', by David Morris in 2012. Accompanied by a copy of the illustrated collection notes. Accompanied by an old hand written record card in French.

The manor of Vendeuil in the département of l'Aisne, northern France, was known as Vendolium Castrum in 1088 A.D. and may be the place referred to in the legend here.