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

Comprising three openwork hook fasteners with scrolls. 7.44 grams total, 22-34 mm



From the private collection of Graham Slater (1927-2024), Cambridge, UK; formed 1980s-1990s.

Discoid mirror set in a silver frame and a polished shell case, secured with a silver flower-and-scroll mount and a small hook. 56.2 grams, 86 mm



Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market.

Saint Boris and Saint Gleb depicted on horseback wearing Russian medieval armour, holding a cross standard and a sword, each wearing a conical helmet; on the right upper corner, the hand of God. 260 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.

Boris and Gleb were the sons of Vladimir of Kyiv, the first Christian Prince of Rus; they were killed in 1015 and 1019 in the civil struggles for the succession to the throne, and sanctified for their faith. Standards with their image were worn by the medieval Russian army.

Openwork domed body with a large loop above, a circumferential band naming the four Evangelists with their symbols below. 551 grams, 11.6 cm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Suffolk, UK, gentleman.

Composed of tubular and coin-shaped beads, restrung. 38 grams, 29 cm



Acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. Ex London, UK, collection.

Representing the Saviour on the cross, the titulum inscribed with the letters 'ΙC ΧΡ' (Jesus Christ); Cyrillic inscriptions over the sun (Солнце) and the moon (Луна), flanking Jesus and above the heads of the figures: Mary of Magdala (Мария Магдала), the Mother of God ('ΜΡ ϴΥ'), Saint John the Theologian (Св Иоанн) and Saint Longinus (Св Лонгин); on the background the symbols of the Passion (sponge on reed, spear and a skull set on stones marking the site as Golgotha, twisted cords or wire, skan) and the city of Jerusalem; on the upper part of the cross the Archangels Michael and Gabriel with cloth-covered hands, the Mandylion above them. 270 grams, 16.6 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.

Orthodox travel icons were used by the faithful to carry a sacred representation with them during their journeys, offering protection and a constant spiritual connection. The icon features meticulous craftsmanship with intricate details of the Passion and Death of the Saviour, according to the Byzantine iconography.

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-coloured glass intaglio with a deeply engraved bust of a young maiden, inscribed 'C. BROWN F.T.' below; a domed glass 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.