Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History & Coins

Plain hoop inscribed in large seriffed capitals '+ OF CANFILD' for Canfield in Essex. 1.35 grams, 10.92 mm overall, 7.69 mm internal diameter



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

The lost pair of this vervel would have borne the name of the bird’s owner.

Annular brooch decorated with leopard heads, each originally with gem-set eyes, with two blue glass cabochons on each side of the pin. 1.18 grams, 14 mm



From the collection of Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

An annular brooch is a type of brooch that is circular in shape, forming a complete ring. They were worn by both men and women of all social classes. The word 'annular' comes from the Latin word 'annulus', meaning ring. These brooches were popular in medieval Europe, particularly from the 13th to 15th centuries, and were used to fasten clothing such as tunics and cloaks.

Comprising a wide hoop, the shoulders with rectangular panels embellished with scrolling motifs framed by delicate wirework borders, the bezel formed as a pair of clasped hands, finely modelled in low relief, symbolising trust, fidelity, and contractual union, the hands articulated with tapering fingers and subtly defined cuffs. 4.08 grams, 21.08 mm overall, 18.89 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)



Acquired on the European art market.

The fede motif derives from the medieval formula mani in fede ('hands in trust'), a visual expression of loyalty and binding agreement. Rings of this type circulated widely from the late medieval period onward, gaining particular prominence in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries as betrothal jewels embodying steadfast commitment. The present example, with its restrained decorative scheme and high gold purity, reflects the enduring appeal of intimate, symbolically charged jewels rooted in long-standing marital and devotional customs.

With a fluted band and a rectangular pie-crust bezel set with a vibrant green emerald; European workmanship. 4.69 grams, 25.71 mm overall, 18.73 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)

There is a small fracture to the emerald and a nick to the setting of the gold, both damages probably a result of the loss or discovery of this beautiful jewel.

Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13386-257962.

With a high conical bezel decorated with four bifid scallop-shaped depressions to the outer surface forming a quatrefoil, flower-like design with the scallops acting as petals; a circular and deep central setting holding a turquoise cabochon; the decoration continuing to the reverse of the bezel resulting in a scalloped design, the shoulders sloping down and extending from between two of the quatrefoil petals at opposite sides of the bezel, with restored fine narrow hoop of large wearable size. 2.75 grams, 27.20 mm overall, 20.05 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U, USA 10, Europe 22.52, Japan 21)



Found by Jason Ashley whilst searching with a metal detector near Hutton Conyers, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, UK, on Sunday, 2nd November 2025. Accompanied by a copy of the Report for H M Coroner on find of Potential Treasure with Treasure reference no.2025T1429. Accompanied by a copy of a letter from the British Museum disclaiming the Crown's interest in the find. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.YORYM-1E3B30. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13293-255044.

The PAS report discusses that: 'Turquoise was not a particularly valuable stone in the Middle Ages, but one that was valued for its amuletic properties, protecting the wearer against poisoning, drowning, or having an accident while riding. It was also supposed to have the property of indicating the state of health of the wearer by the shade the Turquoise went.'

Featuring a round-section hoop and a large collet set with a vibrant red garnet cabochon. 2.93 grams, 24.96 mm overall, 19.05 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)



Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13387-258006.

During the Middle Ages, gemstones were often associated with magical and protective properties they were believed to possess. Gemstones could protect against evil or poisons, as well as heightening the individual’s characteristics and strengths.

Featuring a large round-section hoop and raised cell set with a polished sapphire cabochon. 2.03 grams, 26.68 mm overall, 19.10 x 19.45 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13388-258005.

During the Middle Ages, gemstones were often associated with magical and protective properties they were believed to possess. Gemstones could protect against evil or poisons, as well as heightening the individual’s characteristics and strengths. Sapphires were frequently worn by Bishops and other clergy, due to their ability to promote their bearer’s chastity and piety. Sapphires were believed to be able to change colour if the wearer acted sinfully or lacked faith; it was because of this belief that jewels set with sapphires were worn as symbols of honesty and devout faith.

Slender keeled hoop and a high bezel set with a polished sapphire cabochon. 2.24 grams, 23.70 mm overall, 18.14 x 19.03 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13389-258004.

The style of the ring is known as a stirrup ring due to the resemblance the form has to stirrups on a horse. During the Middle Ages, gemstones were often associated with magical and protective properties that they were believed to possess. Gemstones could protect against evil or poisons, as well as heightening the individual’s characteristics and strengths. Sapphires were frequently worn by Bishops and other clergy due to their ability to promote their bearer’s chastity and piety. Sapphires were believed to be able to change colour if the wearer acted sinfully or lacked faith; it was because of this belief that jewels set with sapphires were worn as symbols of honesty and devout faith.

Annular in form with tapering cells to each end, with inset garnet cabochons, and leaf detailing, quatrefoil opposite the sword-shaped pin. 5.42 grams, 26 mm



Private collection, London, UK.

Featuring a flat-section hoop with chevrons set with an openwork bezel formed of a winged angel holding a heart. 3.62 grams, 19.65 mm overall, 17.20 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)



Acquired on the European art market.

Featuring a fluted band with a crowned heart flanked by roses. 6.18 grams, 23.84 mm overall, 19.30 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



Acquired on the European art market.

The hoop formed of ten raised bosses and the bezel in the form of a Lombardic letter ’S’. 4.35 grams, 21.25 mm overall, 17.64 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)



Acquired on the European art market.

Decade or rosary rings were used in personal Catholic prayer, similar to rosaries, with each projection representing a Hail Mary, and the bezel (often formed as a cross) for the Our Father prayer.