Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History & Coins

Octagonal in plan with carved scene of the Adoration of the Magi with star above; stepped border, pierced for attachment. 30.2 grams, 68 mm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.

The flat relief and the stylistic refinement of the images place the execution of the plaque towards the end of the 17th century, with some artistic parallels with the Romanian silversmiths of Chiprovatzi.

Life-sized female head with abundant wavy hair, covered by the folds of a palla; mounted on a custom-made stand. 21.4 kg total, 45.8 cm high including stand



Private collection, France.

Carved in the round, a Grand Tour male head with laurel-leaf diadem to the brow; exaggerated eyes and small mouth. 360 grams, 85 mm



Acquired on the UK art market in the early 2000s.

Carved with centre-parted wavy hair, large lentoid eyes, neat beard and moustache; irregular to rear. 8.7 kg, 27 cm



Found in a garden in North Yorkshire, UK.

The goddess shown in an elegant pose with her head turned to the right and her gaze directed upwards, wearing a laurel leaf crown and a loose garment covering her left breast, leaving the right one exposed, narrow quiver strap crossing over her right shoulder; her hair dressed in soft waves and pulled to a chignon at the nape of her neck; old repair on the neck. 66.5 kg, 68 cm high



Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13080-246797.

In the 19th century, many studies of the hunter goddess were inspired by the 'Diana of Versailles', a 2nd-century Roman version in the Greek tradition of iconography, today in the collection of the Louvre Museum, Paris, France.

Including: a figurine of Venus bending to fasten her shoe, a cup with looped bars beneath the handles, and a bust with a hinged lid to the crown. 3.34 kg total, 12.7-27 cm



Acquired on the UK art market.

Including an archer's ring with triangular tab, small ring with inset stone inscribed 'SPQR', another with beaded hoop and other types. 67 grams total, 22-29 mm



Acquired on the UK art market.

Modelled in the round in a dynamic pose as a crouching figure with goat legs and horns, grotesque head and extended arms, standing on an oval base with a socket below. 69 grams, 72 mm



From the collection of a Hertfordshire, UK, gentleman. Property of a West London, UK, gentleman.

Painted on a wooden board, at the centre the Holy Empress of Georgia, Tamara the Great, shown on the left, dressed in rich blue, white and red clothing with pearls around her neck and wearing a crown; on the right, Saint Valerian dressed in an emerald green robe and red cloak, holding a crozier, with a highly ornate gilt background. 269 grams, 17.8 x 14.4 cm



Acquired from Derby Antiques Fair, 2003. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. Accompanied by a copy of a Russian export licence.

Depicting Deesis with Jesus at the centre, Saint Mary on the left and Saint John the Baptist on the right; Jesus seated upon a throne, depicted with the open Gospel in his left hand and raising his right hand in blessing; Mary, with veiled head and mantle, wearing a maphorion mantle over an embroidered robe and holding a scroll; the Deesis surrounded by a theory of saints, with Saint Zosima and Saint Sabbas making the Proskynesis in front of the Christ; Old Slavic inscription above the figures: 'ΙC ΧΡ' (Jesus Christ). 67 grams, 64 mm



Acquired from Chris Martin-Zakheim, Iconastas, 5 Piccadilly Arcade, London SW1. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s.

The Deisis or Deesis (Деисус, Gk. for “supplication”) was the depiction of the Virgin, John the Baptist and possibly other saints interceding with Christ on behalf of mankind.

In the form of a prayer arch with densely engraved foliate design, at the centre a facing lion holding a curved sword in its raised paw, rising sun behind and inscription below. 72.48 grams, 86 mm



Private collection, UK.

Openwork plaque with rosette supported on scrolled leaves and stems, scrolled band beneath; baroque style. 9.15 grams, 33 mm



From a retired Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman's collection, a long time member of the Pewter Society.