Rectangular inset gem with engraved heraldic achievement: the crest a gryphon rampant, elaborate ovoid shield with lion passant guardant over a chevron with three roundels, pendant Maltese cross below; set in an ornate ribbed cell with baroque scrolls to the handle; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 20.3 grams, 34.5 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Round enkolpion with finely worked icons both on the front and back, and eight small side eyelets for lost pearl ropes on the edge; at the top, a double eyelet for the chain; bordered by a delicate beaded edge with a slight knock in one place due to age; embossed depictions on both sides, finely rendered in repoussé; on the obverse a frontal bust portrait of the deceased Saviour, both arms of Christ limply hanging at his sides, the lifeless head resting on his right shoulder, behind him a nimbus and the cross, to the left of the soma (body of Christ) the abbreviation 'IC' (= Jesus), on the right 'XC' (= Christus), above the head a plaque with a Greek two-line inscription: 'O Basilevs tis doxis Christos' (Christ, the King of Glory); the Virgin Mary (Theotokos) depicted on the back, her hands raised in a gesture of prayer (orans) with exquisitely modelled facial features, flanked by an inscription referring to the Mother of God: the abbreviation 'MP' on the left, 'THY' on the right, furthermore, she is invoked as 'He Gorgoepikoo' (She who is quick to hear). 21.3 grams, 44 mm



Acquired by the previous owner on the European art market in the late 1990s. Property of a German university professor. Hermann Historica, Auction 87, 2020 no.19. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13291-254371.

Adorned with an icon of Christ and the Virgin Mary, this outstanding enkolpion symbolises purity of heart and the seal of confession and faith. Since the Byzantine era, golden enkolpia were pontifical insignia and usually worn by bishops. In this case, the size, the artistic craftsmanship, and the topics of the icons, depictions of Christ and the Theotokos, lead to the conclusion that it must have been the enkolpion of a high-ranking primate or archbishop. Extremely rare in this size and quality. Remarkable is also the artist's choice to depict the Mother of God slightly turned to the right and not show her frontally, as is common.

Quatrefoil frame with quatrefoil at each angle, beaded outer edge; central Agnus Dei motif with head reverse, cross and banner above. 8.39 grams, 45 mm



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

Head of Thomas Becket wearing archbishop's mitre; pin to reverse. 3.33 grams, 31 mm



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

Comprising the facing bust of Thomas Becket wearing his mitre and with flanking tracery, a carinated ring with reserved legend 'SANCTVS' (holy, saint) and a pin to the reverse. 5.28 grams, 38 mm



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

Comprising a rectangular bifacial pelletted frame with integral loop and pellets; obverse with openwork Agnus Dei image; reverse with inset amber-coloured glass pane, a very rare type. 4.8 grams, 32.9 mm



Ex European collection, 1990s. Accompanied by a previous typed catalogue information card.

Formed as a tongue-shaped plaque with three trefoil crosses to the upper edge, a low-relief scene with Mary and the infant Jesus between fronds, lug below; reverse with a hatched panel. 5.65 grams, 51.5 mm



Ex European collection, 1990s. Accompanied by a previous typed catalogue information card.

An ellipsoid seal matrix with a strap to the reverse; incuse motif of crowned Mary seated on a throne with infant Jesus; legend to the edge within pelletted borders '*hERVIV’ ECC[’]E SWINThORPE’ MA’ (Harvey, rector of the church of Great Swainsthorpe); inked accession(?) number '1036' to verso with later loop. 5.29 grams, 24 mm



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Found near the site of the church of Saint Mary in October 2002. Recorded with Norwich Castle Museum, retained for consideration as Treasure and subsequently returned to the finder. Matrix Collection catalogue no.1036. 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 by a copy of Norwich Castle Museum record slip no.9724 SWAINSTHORPE (G. Linton m/d Oct 02). This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11655-198742.

The village of Swainsthorpe is situated in Norfolk, some few miles to the south of Norwich and once boasted two churches (one now ruined). Recorded and assessed by the Secretary of State’s Expert Adviser as an object of cultural interest. The RCEWA reviewed an export application and determined that it meets the third Waverley criterion, making it currently non-exportable.

With twisted shank, lozenge bezel with tremolier frame and cross potent to the centre. 6.74 grams, 25.17 mm overall, 19.31 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK.

D-shaped hoop with large oval bezel bearing a large cross motif, with four small crosses on a nielloed field. 4.13 grams, 21.39 mm overall, 16.74 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K 1/2, USA 5 1/2, Europe 10.58, Japan 10)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Hoop with ribbed exterior, openwork tendrils to the shoulders, bezel with beaded wire collar and marriage scene; initials to inner face 'П.Ф.Ш.'. 13.02 grams, 28.57 mm overall, 20.94 mm internal diameter (approximate size British W, USA 11, Europe 25, Japan 24)



Private collection, London, UK.

Silver cell with beaded band to the equator, fragment of suspension loop; inset sardonyx gemstone with possibly later intaglio profile bull on a baseline with head lowered; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 14.81 grams, 32 mm



Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13149-248676.