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

Featuring a standing figure extending a purse to a kneeling supplicant, an allegory of almsgiving, preserving substantial traces of its original gilding, this rare Romanesque figural group likely formed part of a larger liturgical object such as a portable altar, reliquary, or candlestick; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 26 grams, 43 mm (284 grams total, 68 mm including stand)



By repute to have originated from Romney Marsh, Kent. From the collection of Paul Moore. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13324-257971.

The work finds close parallels in the Romanesque metalwork of England. Its figural treatment and iconographic resonance invite comparison with the celebrated Gloucester Candlestick (c.1107– 1113, Victoria & Albert Museum, inv. M.268-1921), where densely modelled figures act out moral and allegorical themes within a functional ecclesiastical object; with the Romanesque candlestick fragment from the Robert von Hirsch Collection (Sotheby’s, London, 22 June 1978, Lot 210); and with the broader corpus of English and German candlesticks and crosiers discussed by Peter Lasko in Ars Sacra, 800–1200 (1972), which demonstrate the intimate relationship between liturgical function and densely figurative decoration. Cf. also Victoria and Albert Museum, London: The Gloucester Candlestick, c.1107–1113 (inv. M.268-1921).

Comprising a slender hoop with a high pie-crust bezel with a cabochon turquoise within a rub-over setting. 3.46 grams, 22.77 mm overall, 16.01 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)



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.13328-257948.

This form of decorative ring with central stone setting is relatively common in the medieval period, when a focus on gemstones over metalwork became increasingly common. Several rings of this type are known and appear to have been popular in the 15th century.

With a narrow frame, pin mounted at the apex. 0.48 grams, 15.7 mm



Found Billingsgate spoil from the Thames foreshore, London, UK, circa 1984. Ex property of an Essex collector.

With a D-shaped buckle frame with a narrowed and offset bar, moulded knops decorated with a series of covering raised pellets at each end of the bar; a D-section pin fitted around the bar by an open loop, with a raised circumferential collar present at the junction of the loop and shaft of the pin. 1.93 grams, 14 mm



Found by Jason Ashley whilst searching with a metal detector near Overton, Hambleton, North Yorkshire, UK, in 2025. Accompanied by a copy of the Report for H M Coroner on find of Potential Treasure with Treasure reference no.2025T1065. 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-EF238A.

With a wide hoop and an oval bezel with an eight-petalled flower on a pointillé-decorated field. 5.92 grams, 21.49 mm overall, 19.25 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



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

Rectangular-section equal-arm cross with integral pierced lug above. 5.78 grams, 29 mm



Found Brigstock, Northamptonshire, UK. Recorded with UKDFD no.53488.

Discoid type depicting a bearded face within a raised border of annulets, each with a pellet at its centre; integrally cast pin to reverse. 2.97 grams, 20 mm



Found Alford, Lincolnshire, UK. Recorded with UKDFD no.49065.

The badge possibly represents the head of John the Baptist on a platter, but an alternative interpretation is that it depicts the face of Christ in a form known as the 'Vernicle' or 'Veronica', which arises from the legend that the face of Christ was miraculously impressed on the handkerchief or veil that Saint Veronica gave to him to wipe his face on the way to Calvary. In support of the case for this interpretation, Spencer illustrates another circular badge of generally similar type (No. 254c), but with a border inscribed with the first line of a popular 14th-century prayer composed in honour of the Vernicle. In support of the case for the John the Baptist interpretation, some very similar badges depict a rather dishevelled head with a sharply couped neck.

Discoid pendant with raised shield at the centre, possibly with three lions passant guardant for the coat of arms of England. 8.91 grams, 33 mm



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

Scaphoid in plan with central torch motif, legend to the border '+ S' THO[.]F : VVILLI.' (Thomas son of William'); lug to reverse. 13.3 grams, 36 mm



Found UK. From the collection of a Bedfordshire, UK, lady.

Pair of thimbles with pellet decoration, and a narrow plain band to the lower edge. 13.4 grams total, 16-21 mm



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

Shield-shaped weight with a fleur-de-lys motif and five indentations. 422 grams, 85 mm



Found North Yorkshire, UK.

Comprising: a sheet-bronze knife pommel; a mount shaped as fleur-de-lis with two studs on the reverse; a circular domed mount with a central whirl motif; a pendant or a mount formed as the crescent moon and star; a small quatrefoil pendant; a small bifacial floral pendant; a square seal matrix with a bird; a hooked tag with fleur-de-lis; and a mount with an acorn finial. 66.5 grams total, 18-42 mm



Found Lancashire and Yorkshire, UK. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Lancashire, UK, collector.