Byzantine Bronze Signet Ring with Two Birds

Substantial D-section hoop with applied ropework borders, loops for fastening clasp, six radiating garnet cabochons in claw settings with interstitial granules, ribbed loop to the apex. 2.71 grams, 17 mm



Ex European collection formed in the 1990s. Acquired from a North London gallery. Property of an Essex gentleman.

Corner piece with polished face; an old handwritten label to the side reading 'Stone from "Ananiani's" house Damascus May 1861'. 182 grams, 82 mm



Found Damascus, Syria, in May 1861. UK private collection. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman. With a late 19th century handwritten identification label attached.

The Chapel of San Anania is a religious building located in a two-room crypt in Damascus, approximately four meters below the current street level, reachable by descending a staircase of twenty-three steps from the courtyard of a house that traditionally is attributed to Ananias, the Christian martyr who helped Saul (who became Paul the Apostle), baptised him and helped him hide and leave Damascus, after he had attracted the hatred of the Jews who had organised his killing. It is an apse of an Eastern Roman basilica from the 5th-6th century, cited several times by Arab historical sources such as al-Mussalabeh (of the Holy Cross), brought to light by the excavations carried out by the count Eustache de Lorey.

Conical with thick finial, short tubular neck and two thin lateral loop handles. 18.4 grams, 57 mm



Acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s. Property of a Stowmarket, UK, gentleman.