With two opposed profile male and female busts; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 1 grams, 16 mm

From the collection of a Swiss gentleman formed in Europe from 1970-1980s; thence by descent from the family in London.

With a saint and globus cruciger; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.60 grams, 12 mm

From the collection of a Swiss gentleman formed in Europe from 1970-1980s; thence by descent from the family in London.

With intaglio winged Victory advancing holding a wreath; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 1.26 grams, 16 mm

From the collection of a Swiss gentleman formed in Europe from 1970-1980s; thence by descent from the family in London.

With intaglio image of winged Victory and a perching eagle; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.38 grams, 11 mm

From the collection of a Swiss gentleman formed in Europe from 1970-1980s; thence by descent from the family in London.

With intaglio scorpion with curved tail; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.52 grams, 11 mm

From the collection of a Swiss gentleman formed in Europe from 1970-1980s; thence by descent from the family in London.

With elephant chariot and winged Victory in a field of vegetation; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 1.06 grams, 17 mm

From the collection of a Swiss gentleman formed in Europe from 1970-1980s; thence by descent from the family in London.

A young man trampling and spearing a multi-headed beast; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 1.17 grams, 16 mm

From the collection of a Swiss gentleman formed in Europe from 1970-1980s; thence by descent from the family in London.

With intaglio profile head of an eagle; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.34 grams, 10 mm

From the collection of a Swiss gentleman formed in Europe from 1970-1980s; thence by descent from the family in London.

Oval in shape; the main subject of the gryllos a youth wearing a horse-head topped helmet, the body a ram's head holding an ear of corn in its mouth, the legs and tail that of a cockerel. 0.34 grams, 11 mm

Acquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.

According to Plutarch, grylloi had apotropaic properties to ward off the evil eye.

With narrow shank and carinated ellipsoid bezel, inset carnelian intaglio of an agricola farm-worker harvesting wheat. 6.21 grams, 27.78 mm overall, 19.08 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.63, Japan 19)

Acquired on the German art market before 2000.
Property of a Surrey, UK, collector.

Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 233, for type.

Comprising an octagonal band with rounded inside, engraved inscription in Greek on four facets reading 'ΚΟΝ ΑΝΒ /ΟΗΑ ΙΑΤΟ /ΥΥΨ ΙϹΤΟ/ +ΘΚ ΑΤΟΙ', interspersed with a palm branches on the other facets. 2.48 grams, 19.61 mm overall, 17.64 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)

Ex London, UK, collection, 2000s.

Accompanied by a copy of a statement of opinion from Striptwist Ltd, a London-based company run by precious metal specialist Dr Jack Ogden, reference number 210711.

Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 223, for type.

This type of ring (type III, Variant 1, of the Ruseva-Slokoska classification) is common among gold and silver examples since the 3rd century A.D. The inscription on our ring, however, shows Christian elements (such as the palm branch) which allow a dating to the 4th-5th century A.D. The inscription '+ΘΚ ΑΤΟΙ /ΚΟΝ ΑΝΒ /ΟΗΑ ΙΑΤΟ /ΥΥΨ ΙϹΤΟ' is not simple to interpret. It could be read as '+Θ(ΕΟΤΟΚ)E A (ΓΙΑ) TOI/ KON(ϹΤ)ΑΝ (TINΩ) B/OH(Θ EI) A(Γ)ΙΑ TO/ Υ ΥΨΙϹΤΟ' = 'Holy Mother of God help Constantine from the heights of your Holiness [Konstantinos being the possible owner of the ring]'.

Hollow-formed gold ring in Hellenistic style with beaded rim to the broad bezel, inset amethyst cabochon with intaglio gryllos motif; repaired, a marriage. 5.35 grams, 25.07 mm overall, 21.07 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 21.89, Japan 21)

From a collection of a London lady, acquired during 1990s-2000s.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11961-210872.

Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 105, for type.

The gryllos comprises three radiating profile faces - two youthful females and the aged Silenus.