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LOT 1459
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Cross
CIRCA 7TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (2.67 grams, 22.07 mm overall, 18.90 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)).
Disc bezel with central Maltese cross and border of annulets. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
LiteratureCf. Baldini Lippolis, I., L'Oreficeria nell'Impero di Costantinopoli tra IV e VII secolo (the Jewellery in the Empire of Constantinople between IV and VII century, in Italian), Bari, 1999, pp.199ff., for the type, especially no.29.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1459
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Cross
Estimate £40 - 60€46 - 70 (for guidance only)$54 - 81 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
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Heavy Byzantine Gold Marriage Ring with Christ and Facing Couple
Circa 7th century A.D.Estimate: £7,000 - 9,000 (‡+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £4,000
Substantial hoop and applied quatrefoil bezel, incuse design comprising nimbate facing bust of Christ above a cross potent between male and female profile busts and flanked by kneeling winged and nimbate angels, legend 'VΓIA' (hygia 'good health') beneath. 22.45 grams, 27.95 mm overall, 18.82 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)
Private collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13415-259785.
The ring belongs to the category of Eastern Roman rings featuring a polygonal band and an applied bezel, a type particularly common in the 7th century A.D., especially for marriage rings. It shows the conventional depiction of the bride and groom blessed by God. -
Large Byzantine Gilt Bronze and Niello Ring with Stepped Bezel
Circa 7th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Comprising a substantial D-section hoop with niello-filled frond motif to each shoulder, stepped bezel with disc bearing a running scroll surrounding 'BY' monogram. 16.92 grams, 32.24 mm overall, 19.30 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)
Private collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent. -
Large Byzantine Gold Ring of The Crucifixion with Mary and St John Holding Censers
Circa 9th century A.D.Estimate: £4,000 - 6,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,000
With flat-section faceted hoop, incuse legend '+KύριE B[οή]ΘEI…TOY TIC ΦΟPOYCIA+' between pointillé borders; ellipsoid plaque with crucifixion scene, 'IPINΗ' in exergue. 5.41 grams, 20.78 mm overall, 19.12 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)
Private collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent. Accompanied by an original loan agreement dated 2 April 1997 for US$18,000. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13422-259838.
The inscription 'KύριE B[οή]ΘEI…TOY TIC ΦΟPOYCIA+' = 'Lord helps the wearer of this' is indicative of the devotional and protective character of the ring. The word 'IPINΗ' (peace) at the feet of the Cross invokes the words of Christ in John 14:27 (Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you).
