Byzantine Bronze Ring with Stavrosis and Two Roman Soldiers

Plano-convex in section with low-relief carving: scene with a meal at a so-called sigma table surrounded by Christ, Peter, John and the other disciples; Christ and Peter attending and beardless Saint John the Evangelist preparing the fish. 9.95 grams, 32 mm



From a North American gentleman's collection, 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13368-259040.

In early Byzantine art, Saint Peter is often depicted as the only figure apart from Christ to be shown with a nimbus, to emphasise his pre-eminent position as a church father and the 'rock' of the church.

Obverse: central facing nimbate figure of Mary with 'MHP ΘV' legend, facing nimbate bust in each of the roundels; reverse with cruciform void and pellets; hinged loop with ropework detailing. 43.1 grams, 88 mm



From the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s.

Oval pendant with integral suspension loop, one side with armoured Saint Theodore or Saint George on horseback slaying the dragon with a barbed spear, a lion beneath and a Greek inscription on the upper edge 'EICΘEOCONIKѠNTAKAK = εἷς θεός ὁ νικῶν τά κακ(ά)' = the one god who defeats evil; the reverse with four animals (two lions, a snake, an ibis and a scorpion) reaching towards an altar or a boat, a Greek inscription above 'ПІΝѠCAΒAѠΘΜIΧAΗΛ' = I drink, The God of the hosts, Michael. 8.77 grams, 56 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.