Agate Cameo of Karl Theodor Anton Maria Von Dalberg

Of academic interest, copper-coated lead seal impressions including presentation scenes, combat scenes, court scenes and others; some with cuneiform text. 250 grams total, 36-46 mm



Possibly made by the British Museum. From a West Country, UK, private collection.

Including scallop-shaped belt mount with slider to reverse, ceramic head from a pipe stem and other items. 83 grams total, 24-62 mm



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

Slender shank and expanding shoulders formed as lace cuffs, the bezel a pair of clasped hands gripping a heart. 3.71 grams, 23.07 mm overall, 20.14 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)



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

The two clasping hands with elaborate cuffs clutch a heart. This ring features the ancient fede motif of two hands clasped together, however in their grasp is a heart. These symbols represented love and fidelity. The ring was likely a token of love symbolising everlasting devotion, or possibly a betrothal ring. The word Fede takes its name from the Italian word for faith or trust with the two clasped hands symbolising an attachment that usually led to marriage. The motif of the two clasped hands was already in use in ancient Rome, it was a symbol of pledging of vows, which derives from the Roman ‘dextarum iunctio’ (right hand joined). Fede rings remained popular throughout Europe until well into the 19th century with their peak of manufacture during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.