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

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'.

Ellipsoid in plan with incuse three-headed gryphon in profile. 5.76 grams, 22 mm



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

Lentoid in section with reticulated arch to one face, sitting figure to the other; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 1.61 grams, 12 mm



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

With a fusiform body, slender neck and broad flange rim, decorated with marvered feathering and spiralling trails; two lateral loop handles and a pinched lateral lug. 36.69 grams, 91 mm



Anonymous sale, Binoche & Giquello, Paris, 30th May 2012, no.124. Private collection, Switzerland. Accompanied by a copy of French passport no.0150269. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13188-249220.

Alabastra of this typology, core-formed, trail-decorated and tooled, are typical of the Eastern Mediterranean. They were diminutive examples of a shape popularly produced for perfumed oils in the Greek world. Larger forms are known in both glass and ceramics.

Comprising: scaphoid type with bow and quiver; discoid type with profile bust; rectangular type with advancing beast; each supplied with an impression. 8.41 grams total, 16-24 mm



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

Flat-section hoop with expanding shoulders and discoid bezel depicting a lion standing in profile with a star above. 5.98 grams, 22.80 mm overall, 19.14 x 18.86 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



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

Conical in profile with broad foot and inturned rim; single thick loop handle partly absent. 1.33 kg, 23.5 cm



Ex Prof. Kurt Alder, Riehen; thence by descent.

Comprising irregular mainly curved fragments of sidewall and foot, some with applied ornament on a black field; each with old collector's label. 58 grams total, 41-65 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.