Bronze Openwork Calligraphic Armband

Comprising four painted amber-coloured glass panels each in a rectangular lead frame; each depicting a winged angel in flight blowing a horn (buisine) with a heraldic banner hanging from the body; heraldic devices comprise an expanding-arm cross, three annulets, cross-in-circle, counter-charged cross. 488 grams total, 13.5 x 10.5 - 14.5 x 10 cm



De Baecque Vente aux encheres, 5 March 2022, lot 55(part). Ex central London gallery.

With a D-section hoop flaring out to an oval bezel bearing the engraved incuse arms 'party per fess, two fleurs-de-lys and chequy (in four rows of six pieces)' with bird-head crest above and foliate tendrils at sides. 14.20 grams, 24.10 mm overall, 20.80 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V 1/2, USA 10 3/4, Europe 24.4, Japan 23)



From a 1990s private collection. Property of a European gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11907-205633.

While linking this ring firmly to a branch of a family requires further research, the combination of two fleurs-de-lys with a partial chequy in a coat of arms is connected to the badge of the Rothesay Herald of Arms and also to the Dukes of Rothesay, sons of the Kings of Scotland and with the dukedom first conferred on David, eldest son of Robert III, in 1398 A.D. and the office of Herald passing down to the present day; the arms on this ring could perhaps be connected to this dukedom or office.

Comprising a quantity of small beads, in mixed shapes, colours and materials, including seven tumble-polished turquoise; each pierced for stringing. 115 grams total, 2-20 mm



UK gallery, early 2000s.