Byzantine Bronze Seal with Saint

D-section hoop with expanding shoulders, trumpet-shaped bezel with two facing busts and a cross between and a nimbate bearded bust above, legend 'OMONOIA' (harmony) below. 9.62 grams, 23.93 mm overall, 18.92 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



From an important Byzantine collection, formed in the 1970s, Surrey, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13347-258734.

The marriage ring is one of the typologies in which figural decorations are frequently found. Generally speaking, marriage rings are engraved with a representation of a husband and wife, sometimes accompanied by Christ, and usually engraved with wishes for 'harmony, health and the grace of God'. Rings of this type had been used since the late 4th century A.D. and remained extremely popular in Byzantium in the 6th and 7th centuries.

Slender hoop with decorated shoulders, an oval bezel with a facing nimbate bust holding a shield and a spear. 5.59 grams, 23.22 mm overall, 18.80 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)



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

Conical, facetted body with integral suspension loop, a stylised advancing horse on the underside. 7.56 grams, 24 mm



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