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

Comprising a piriform body and a tubular neck with a wide rim, a strap handle to the rear; some chips and repair. 80 grams, 10.5 cm



Ex Prof. Kurt Alder, Riehen, acquired in September 1977; thence by descent.

Each an openwork appliqué formed as the head and neck of an elk, incised eye, mouth and other detailing; above, crown with spiral detailing forming antlers; thick attachment loop to reverse. 25.9 grams total, 43-50 mm



Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.

Comprising irregular mainly curved fragments of rim and sidewall with reserved and applied geometric and other ornament; each with old collector's label. 83 grams total, 30-83 mm



Iris Cornelia Love (1933-2020) collection, New York, formed primarily in the 1950s-1970s; on long-term loan to Dietrich von Bothmer, New York, late 1960s/early 1970s to late 1990s.

Plano-convex type with intaglio profile leaping gryphon with head raised; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.63 grams, 12 mm



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

Carved from translucent stone with a dome profile, pierced longitudinally, underside with a calf leaping to right. 5.7 grams, 23 mm



with H.A.C. AG, Basel, until 1999.

Biconical in profile with reserved monogram 'AB' for ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ' (Αlexandrou Basileos) to the obverse and a laurel wreath to the reverse. 26.4 grams, 29 mm



Previously property of an Austrian collector, Vienna, Austria. From a German private collection, formed since the 1980s.

In the case of Alexander III, who never lost a battle, the laurel wreath began to be an important attribute already during his lifetime. This is best illustrated on coins, cf. a gold stater struck c. 330/325-320 (NAC auction 169, lot 74): Nike stands in the centre on the reverse holding a laurel wreath, with the name of Alexander behind the goddess on the right.

D-section hoop with expanding shoulders, oval bezel with a swimming dolphin in profile. 4.18 grams, 23.74 mm overall, 19.72 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.63, Japan 19)



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

Plano-convex in profile with impressed dolphin and legend. 1.05 grams, 17.71 mm



Acquired in 1994. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.

This Phoenician terracotta bulla, decorated with a dolphin, reflects the strong maritime identity of the Phoenician world. Bullae were typically used to seal documents or goods, serving both a practical and symbolic function in trade and administration. The dolphin, a creature closely associated with the sea, would have held particular meaning for the Phoenicians, whose culture and prosperity were deeply tied to seafaring and commerce across the Mediterranean. Often seen as a symbol of protection, guidance, and safe passage, the dolphin adds an additional layer of meaning to the object, suggesting not only its use in everyday transactions but also a connection to the wider beliefs and environment of the ancient coastal world.

Scaraboid type with intaglio capricorn advancing within a border; chipped; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 2 grams, 14 mm



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

Comprising a conical body with flared foot, broad shoulder and low raised rim to the mouth; two lateral loop handles to the shoulder; circumferential red and black painted bands to the equator enclosing a band of vertical black strokes; repaired. 530 grams, 16 cm high



Acquired by the vendor's father in London, circa 1960. Acquired Cheffins Auctions, UK.

With a shallow conical bowl on a basal ring, concentric raised circles to the inner side, fine glaze and minor chips to the rim. 705 grams, 23.2 cm wide



Ex London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s. Private collection, London, UK.

Moulded in the half-round standing wearing a tall headdress, draped mantle and ankle-length robe; holding an apple in each hand. 43.3 grams, 10.9 cm



Acquired from John L.Homan, Lincolnshire, UK, 1992. Accompanied by a copy of the original receipt dated 2nd March 1992.

In Greek mythology, Hera owned golden apples which were a wedding gift from Gaia. They grew in a sacred orchard at the western edge of the world, the 'Garden of the Hesperides'.