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 bronze vesica-shaped seal matrix with vertical strap and loop to the reverse; incuse motif of a bush and two perching birds, probably representing doves; legend to the edge within pointillé borders '* AMOR VINCIT OMNIA :·' (love conquers all). 13.2 grams, 35 mm



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Acquired Libert, October 2008, lot 269. Matrix Collection catalogue no.2540. 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.

Birds, especially doves, have long been associated with romance and love.

A bronze chessman-type seal matrix with pierced quatrefoil and pierced lug above with link from the fixing chain; asterisk on the outer edge of the base to align the design; central heraldic heater shield with three stars above a cinquefoil, Lombardic script legend to the border '*DESAVTIGNY * GVILLE' and frond to complete the circle (for Guille[lm] de Sautigny). 15 grams, 41 mm



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Ex Hermann Historica, 14 October 2003, lot 319. Matrix Collection catalogue no.945. 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 a copy of a Hermann Historica auction page print out.

In 1502 a nobleman named Jean Courtin IV, squire and lord of Sautigny, married Catherine Cottereau, daughter of Pierre Cottereau, lord of the viscounty of Vaupréau: see M. de Sait Allais Nobiliaire Universel de France, vol. 6, Paris 1874.

A substantial bronze seal matrix with pierced tongue-shaped handle, incuse star close to the rim for alignment of the design; central heraldic heater shield with stylised wreath surrounding; design of a vertical bar with forked upper finial flanked by two cinquefoils; border with incuse edges and incuse 'lieu en sce peueu et gherzte' or similar slightly enigmatic inscription, possibly relating to a location in the Netherlands; with collector number '2563' on back of disc. 32.11 grams, 31 mm wide



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Acquired Libert, October 2008, lot 65. Matrix Collection catalogue no.2563. 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.

A substantial bronze discoid seal matrix with strap and loop to the reverse; central incuse motif of a bull passant gardant with war hammer below, border with pointillé edges and enigmatic Lombardic script legend '·+· S' FERA bOVIS D'CVMIS' (seal of the wild bull of Cumis). 20.5 grams 32 mm



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Matrix Collection catalogue no.1111. Many of the seals within the collection were published in a book titled 'The Matrix Collection', by David Morris in 2012.

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. 2.57 grams, 19.60 mm overall,17.39 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Bettiscombe, Dorset, UK, on 26th September 2019, and reported as a find of potential treasure to Ciorstaidh Hayward Trevarthen, Finds Liaison Officer. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report number DOR-551573. Accompanied by a copy of a letter from the British Museum to H M Senior Coroner for Dorset disclaiming the Crown's interest in the treasure find with reference number 2019 T1075. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11656-197165.

The PAS report states that Joan Evans notes a similar inscription- 'LOIALTE PASE TO' - found on plate and ornaments in the inventories of Louis d'Anjou and Louis de Valois, duc de Touraine...' in her book English Posies and Posy Rings.

A gold posy ring composed of a waisted band with pearled and raised upper and lower borders, each decorated with a circumferential ring of pellets, the central section engraved with a blackletter French inscription: 'nul ce bien' ('none so well'), each word separated by sunbursts and flowers; plain interior. 1.83 grams, 18.11 mm overall, 16.35 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector by Kevin Ford on 25th January 2020 in Chinnor, South Oxfordshire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme Report (PAS) number OXON-FF9F8E. Accompanied by a letter to HM Coroner for Oxfordshire from the Treasure Registrar at the British Museum disclaiming the Crown's interest in the ring with treasure reference number 2020 T76. Accompanied by a letter from the finder detailing the circumstances of the find. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11657-196665.

French Gothic blackletter inscriptions on finger rings were associated with the culture of chivalry and courtly love; a historic example of gifts and tokens as expressions of love. Some scholars note that black letter inscriptions are prevalent on love rings between the 13th-15th centuries. Although such rings could be both English and French in origin, it is believed that most were English, with French inscriptions. Note that the PAS offers a different interpretation of the inscription on this ring.

A gold posy ring with convex outer face decorated in relief with two elongated oval cartouches flanked by floral tendrils and cross fleuretty motifs, the cartouches populated with an old French inscription in Gothic black letter script: 'toudis utyr', the utyr a spelling of Anglo-Norman 'outre' and therefore can be translate as the expression 'always greater' (ie. our love grows ever greater); hoop nicked. 1.90 grams, 19.01 mm overall, 15.19 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I 1/2 , USA 4 1/2, Europe 8.07, Japan 7)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector by Kevin Ford in December 2018 in South Oxfordshire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme Report (PAS) number OXON-726859. Accompanied by a copy of the treasure report for H M Coroner with reference number 2019 T16. Accompanied by a letter to HM Coroner for Oxfordshire from the Treasure Registrar at the British Museum disclaiming the Crown's interest in the ring with treasure reference number 2019 T16.

A gold posy ring with raised foliate band externally, inscribed '+AMOR VINCIT' for 'Love Conquers' in Roman capitals. 1.72 grams, 17.46 mm overall, 15.47 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I, USA 4 1/4, Europe 7.44, Japan 7)



Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK.

Omnia vincit amor, translating to 'Love Conquers All' and abbreviated on this ring, is one of the most famous of all Latin expressions. It is still used today, in the original Latin, in translation and in its alternative version ‘Amor vincit omnia’; the expression originally comes from the Roman poet Virgil, (Publius Vergilius Maro) most famous for his epic Aenid; the phrase appears in his first work, Eclogues.

A slender gold finger ring with inset emerald cabochon to the bezel. 1.25 grams, 19.54 mm overall, 14.93 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)



Acquired on the French art market. English private collection.

A slender gold stirrup ring set with a polished pink amethyst cabochon. 1.69 grams, 24.28 mm overall, 19.64 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U, USA 10, Europe 22.52, Japan 21)



Acquired London Coin Fair, 1998. Property of a Kent gentleman.

A gold finger ring comprising a slender hoop developing to claw-shaped shoulders with reserved acanthus motif on a pounced field; tall pie-dish bezel with recessed sides, claw setting for the gemstone; repaired and polished, absent original stone replaced with a facetted ruby. 2.41 grams, 24.20 mm overall, 17.40 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Purbeck, Dorset, UK, in 2019. Declared as Treasure and disclaimed with treasure reference 2020 T34. Property of a Sussex, UK, teacher. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme report no.DOR-C7C656. Accompanied by a copy of a letter from the British Museum disclaiming the Crown's interest in the ring.

A silver finger ring with tiered ribbing to the shoulders, gussetted panel beneath the bezel, stepped trumpet-shaped plaque with incuse design of 'PHS' above a merchant's mark between stars; European workshop. 16.11 grams, 29.84 mm overall, 21.96 mm internal diameter (approximate size British W 1/2, USA 11 1/4, Europe 25.66, Japan 24)



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.