Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History, Stamps & Coins

D-section hoop with scroll design, large bezel with tendril decoration underneath, set with a lapis lazuli intaglio with a fantastical beast motif. 8.80 grams, 30.14 mm overall, 18.20 x 17.69 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



London, UK, collection, 1980s-1990s.

Resin casting of the tablet with ornament; obverse: frieze with two opposed standing figures below a pediment with mythological creatures, cuneiform text below and in the scene; reverse: dense panel of cuneiform text; cosmological symbols to upper edge; mounted on a custom-made stand. 1.15 kg total, 21 cm including stand



From the collection of David Donlan (1947-2025), a dedicated and lifelong collector with a passion for the ancient world and the natural sciences, forming his collection from 1960s onwards, using many reputable dealers across the United Kingdom, including the well-regarded Coincraft and The Parthenon Gallery.

Cut from banded agate and set with silver fittings, the crucified Christ on the cross wearing a draped loincloth. 157 grams, 17.9 cm



Acquired on the European art market.

Comprising: malachite cameo with a profile bust of a clean-shaven man wearing an ivy leaf wreath; a domed amethyst intaglio with a deeply engraved bust of a young maiden, inscribed 'C. BROWN F.T.' below; a domed intaglio with nimbate Jesus making a blessing gesture. 40 grams total, 29-36 mm



Acquired on the European art market.

Large-format engraved plate illustrating amulets of various types (figures of Bes and Pataikos, multiple wedjat, Taweret with dorsal pillar, etc.), from the book series La Description de l'Egypte published after the French army's Egyptian campaign (1798-1801), Book A, Volume V, plate 88; mounted in a modern glazed frame. 3 kg total, 70.6 x 53 cm including frame



Ex private collection, London, UK.

Produced between February 1802 and 1830 on the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte; published between 1809 and 1828. Just 1,000 copies were distributed to various institutions, printed on laid paper with an 'Égypte ancienne et moderne' watermark. The book is subtitled Recueil des observations et des recherches qui ont été faites en Égypte pendant l’expédition de l’Armée française, publié par les ordres de Sa Majesté l’Empereur Napoléon le Grand (Gathering of observations and discoveries which were made in Egypt during the expedition of the French army, published on the orders of His Majesty the Emperor Napoleon the Great). It was the world's first encyclopedia devoted exclusively to the remains of ancient Egypt.

The coin with radiate crown mounted on 22 carat gold foil, framed with an art print signed by the artist David McAllister, depicting scenes of Roman military activity; limited edition number 73/1150. 1.26 kg, 49.5 x 37.5 cm



UK gallery, early 2000s. Accompanied by a previous numbered certificate of authenticity.

David McAllister's exciting design is a 'one of a kind' work that portrays the might and riches of the Roman civilisation. This limited edition print is a celebration of the award-winning artist's lifetime dedication to historical paintings of the ancient world. To enhance appreciation of this rare and historic work, each print is signed and numbered by the artist.

Comprising: a cameo with the bust of a mature man with a bald patch; a cameo of a bearded man wearing a peaked cap; a cameo with a profile bust of a maiden. 6.3 grams total, 19-26 mm



Acquired on the European art market.

Representing Saint Antipas with a Gospel in his left hand and making the gesture of blessing with his right, dressed as a bishop, with sticharion, covered by omophorion, and surmounted by an epitrachelion; the Mandylion at the centre above the saint, Saint Mary on the left panel and Jesus on the right; Old Slavic inscription around the figures: 'ΙC ΧΡ' (Jesus Christ); 'ΜΡ ϴΥ'(Mother of God); Saint Antipas of Pergamum (Св Анти́па Перга́мский). 238 grams, 11.3 cm



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 icon features meticulous craftsmanship typical of Orthodox iconography. Saint Antipas was popularly held to be a healer of tooth problems. He was martyred by being burned in a brazen bull-shaped altar under the Emperor Nero or Domitian.

D-section hoop made from mosaic glass in shades of green and yellow with blue, red and other speckles. 0.90 grams, 22.31 mm overall, 17.54 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)



From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent.

Buff-coloured reproduction paper poster with coloured image of a red windmill (Moulin Rouge), donkey carrying a scantily-clad female with other donkeys and females in the background; title in large red lettering 'Bal du Moulin Rouge Place Blanche' and at bottom blind stamp and 'Tous les soirs & Dimanche Jour / Grande Fête les Mercredis et Samedis'; lateral printer's note '(9)470 IMP.Chaix (Sucle. Chéret) 18, Rue Brunel, Paris'; and at bottom left 'Les Maîtres de l'Affiche Pl.53 / Imprimerie Chaix / (Encres Lorilleux & Cie.)'. 47 grams, 39.5 x 28 cm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Harwich, UK, collector.

Oval variegated dark green intaglio featuring goddess Hekate represented triple-bodied and holding whips and branches, each head wearing a modius, inscription below and seven stars surrounding; the reverse with a magical inscription above a crescent moon and three stars. 7.92 grams, 34 mm



Acquired on the European art market.

Hekate was the goddess of magic, witchcraft, the night, moon, ghosts and necromancy. She received her power over heaven, earth, and sea from her parents, the Titans Perses and Asteria.

Representing Saint Nicholas of Myra with a book in his left hand and making the gesture of blessing with his right, dressed as a bishop with sticharion, covered by omophorion, and surmounted by an epitrachelion embroidered with crosses; the saint flanked by Jesus and Virgin Mary, Christ holding the gospel, Mary the bishop’s epitrachelion; Cyrillic inscriptions 'Saint Nikolaos the Wonderworker (СВЯТЫЙ НИКОЛА ЧУДОТВОРЕЦ), Iesus Christos (ΙΣ ΧC) and Mother of God (ΜΡ ΘΥ)' on the enamelled background. 348 grams, 10.7 cm



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 icon features meticulous craftsmanship typical of Orthodox iconography. The enamel colours, despite the passage of time, retain their vibrant intensity, highlighting the key elements of the depicted images. The refined details and use of enamel give depth and luminosity to the icon, making it a precious example of the Russian Orthodox tradition.