Restrung; composed of translucent blue glass beads interspersed with umber-coloured spacer beads. 8.01 grams, 76 cm long

UK gallery, early 2000s.

A carved agate coat of arms within a lapis lazuli plaque, held in a silver canatille frame comprising elaborate filigree foliage and with suspension loop; arms of Pope Alexander VII (1655-1667). 176 grams, 17.5 cm

Private collection, England.

Pope Alexander VII was born Fabio Chigi and took the role of head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 7 April 1655 to his death, in May 1667. He held a number of diplomatic positions in the Holy See, was ordained in 1634, and became bishop of Nardo in 1635. Pope Innocent X elevated him to the role of secretary of state in 1651, and in the following year he was appointed a cardinal. Alexander VII supported various construction projects in Rome, wrote poetry and patronized artists working on the decoration of churches.

Matched pair of miniature coin cabinets, each with brass lock and key, six removable sliding trays with graduated circular slots. 1.85 kg total, 19 x 16 x 9.8cm each

English private collection.

Hollow-formed cast iron figure of Mary in hooded ankle-length gown holding the infant Jesus, standing on a rectangular base. 4 kg, 39 cm

From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000.
From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Comprising a fleur-de-lys handle and discoid body, underside with central heater shield and legend '*S' PATRICII*LERMUNTH (seal of Patrick Lermunth); the arms including a chevron and three mascles (voided lozenges). 24 grams, 32 mm diameter

Property of a Norwich, Norfolk, UK, gentleman.

Accompanied by an original handwritten note about the heraldry of the seal dated 15 December 1997.

The shoulders with voided chain-link detailing, stepped bezel with inset garnet cabochon. 1.78 grams, 22.40 mm overall, 16.80 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)

From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

Graduated group of beads, mainly tubular and annular types with spherical centrepiece and leaf-shaped dangles. 42 grams, 46 cm

London, UK, art market, 1980-2000s

By William Smith and Charles Eaton; obverse: robed figure with keys; reverse: two combatants with swords. 78 grams, 95 mm

From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

See Mitchiner, M., Medieval Pilgrim & Secular Badges, London, 1986, p.278-9.

"Billy and Charlies", also known as the Shadwell forgeries, refer to a very extensive series of fake antiquities made in Victorian London by William Smith (Billy) and Charles Eaton (Charley). They were mudlarks who searched the Thames for items of value. William Edwards, a London antique dealer, made Billy's acquaintance around 1845, and he met Charley some years later. He paid them for items of interest that they found. Billy and Charley earned money from this until 1857, when they decided to counterfeit antiquities. They cast objects from lead or pewter, cutting dies into plaster of Paris moulds with nails and knives, and bathing the finished items in acid to simulate aging. Their commonest products were medallions, but others included daggers, statuettes, ampullae and even small shrines; as they were both illiterate the inscriptions on many of the objects are nonsense. They sold their forgeries to very prominent collectors of the time who thought they were genuine. Eventually, due to the large volume of objects that were appearing on the market, they were arrested and tried at court though they could not be found guilty of any crime at the time. They were released and carried on producing fakes but their style of manufacture had become well known and they eventually disappeared from history.

Including a warrior with spear and shield, D-section plaque with bound captive and other types. 319 grams total, 62-92 mm

From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000.
From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Group of hooked tags of various forms including rosette and openwork types; many of these objects are published in the Detector Finds book series and Buttons & Fasteners 500 BC-AD 1840. 25.3 grams total, 30-40 mm

From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

Bailey, G., Buttons & Fasteners 500 BC-AD1840, Witham, 2004, p.96-101.

Irregular cordiform angel in lead framing; head of a bearded man with downcast gaze, tousled hair. 80 grams, 14 cm

with Rieunier & Associes, 25 October 2004, no.52.

Accompanied by a copy of a two page illustrated catalogue information page.

Plaque with floral design comprising inset glass cabochons, synthetic rubies and gold-coloured wire detailing, central floral plaque. 100 grams, pendant height: 98 mm

Property of a South West London gentleman.