Comprising a rhomboid hoop and inset an amethyst cabochon, with intaglio portrait bust of a king or god (Herakles?) looking right. 5.87 grams, 25.14 mm overall, 19.14 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)

From a private family collection formed since the early 19th century, thence by descent.
Property of a New Zealand legal professional.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12330-223720.

Cf. for the original Greek prototype of portrait Spier, J., Ancient Gems and finger rims, Malibu, 1992, fig.234 (banded Heracles); for the 19th shape of ring cf. Chadour, A.B., Ringe/Rings, Die Alice und Louis Koch Sammlung/The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume II, Leeds, 1994, fig.1158; for the neoclassical portrait Scarisbrick, D., Wagner, C., Boardman, J., The Beverley Collection of Gems at Alnwick Castle, The Philip Wilson Gems and Jewellery Series, London, 2016.

The engraved head probably is depicting a Greek king or a Roman emperor from the Antonine Dynasty of the 2nd century A.D. The style of engraving does not assist with making a firm identification, but a cameo with a similar subject is in the Guy Ladriére collection and the head is attributed to Emperor Hadrian (Scarisbrick, Wagner, Boardman, 2016b, no. 40). The subject was extremely popular in modern times, and identification with Heracles is also possible.

Including crotal bells, badges, thimbles, buckle frames, 'Ashford MDC' token, appliqués and other items. 1.4 kg total, 12-66 mm

Ex Stocker collection, Kent, UK, 1955-early 2000s.

Plano-convex inset gemstone with incised Šir-o Xoršid motif (lion with sword against the sun) on an arabesque panel with wreath; signature to reverse. 17.6 grams, 40 mm

with a London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s.

Complete set of Players cigarettes cards issued in 1935 'Kings and Queens of England', William I to George V and Mary, in a glazed wooden frame; set of Cavanders 'Camera Studies' hand-tinted photographic cards with poetic citation to the reverse in a clear vinyl display; set of Players 'Miniatures' issued in 1923, studies of famous female portraits, notes to the reverse in a clear vinyl display; set of 'Treasure Trove' Churchman cigarette cards issued in 1937 with notes to the reverse in a clear vinyl display. 2.38 kg total, 25 x 18 - 59.5 x 49 cm

Ex Stocker collection, Kent, UK, 1955-early 2000s.

Restrung using six cylindrical beads interspersed with mainly oblate beads, four of the cylindrical beads with engraved ring-and-dot motifs; central motif an elbow bead with facetted edges and engraved ring-and dot motifs. 37 grams, 63 cm long

Ex London art market.
Property of a North London, UK, gentleman.

Body carved with recesses to neck and lap; separate head. 1.74 kg total, 5.5-12.1 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 mainly handstones and hammerstones, some mounted on a ceramic stand. 4.6 kg total, 4-16.5 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 two reproduction versions of the 'Venus of Dolní Věstonice' and a third figure with stub arms. 379 grams total, 9.6-13.7 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.

Each with applied wire tendrils and cabochon glass and synthetic rubies. 110 grams total, 77-87 mm

Property of a South West London gentleman.

Depicting a mutilated naked corpse impaled on a tree-stump, title beneath. 18 grams, 32 x 23.5 cm

Private collection, London, UK.

Winter scene with bare trees against a pale sky; signed bottom right. 171 grams, 35.5 x 25.5 cm

Private collection, London.

Fragments of mainly glazed ceramic pots, jars, ewers and other vessels. 7.25 kg total, 6-28 cm

Acquired 1990s-early 2000s.
Ex East Anglian private collection.