Ancient Style Sapphire Gemstone with Head of Medusa

Formed as a left hand with flange rim to the cuff and wrist, ring to the third finger; stud to the reverse with geralfic seal, heater shield with helmet and lambrequin, underside with stud and profile bust. 453 grams, 13.5 cm



Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, England. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13087-249670.

In the 17th century, Italian noble seals were crucial heraldic instruments, depicting family crests, often surmounted by crowns (counts, marquises, princes) or helmets, and enriched with family specific symbols (e.g., vines for the Panevinos), portraits on horseback, or elements linked to ecclesiastical offices (papal keys) to authenticate documents, reflecting the prestige and authority of noble houses and civic patricians.

Intaglio jugate busts of a bearded male with browband in the foreground and female bust to the rear with diadem; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 7.37 grams, 31 mm



with Hotel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo, 2022. Private collection, England.

The image portrays human rulers as Zeus and Hera/Jupiter and Juno.

Certificate of participation in the German expedition against China, dated 17th September 1901, issued to Karl Rennebaum and stamped by the 'Kaiserliche Marine'; in glazed wooden frame. 831 grams total, 38.5 x 31 cm



From the private collection of author and historian Dr DeWitt Bailey; thence by descent to his grandson.