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LOT 1407
Byzantine Bronze Stamp Seal
CIRCA 11TH-13TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (7.95 grams, 27 mm).
Pyramidal in form with ribbed collar and loop, linear ornament to each face; incuse heater shield with flanches; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
ProvenancePrivate collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent.
LiteratureCf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 734, for type.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1407
Byzantine Bronze Stamp Seal
Estimate £120 - 170€140 - 200 (for guidance only)$160 - 230 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£60 (EUR 70; USD 81) ‡+BP*
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Byzantine Gold Ring with Engraved Tetragram
Circa 8th century B.C.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Oblate bezel with recessed panel in the upper face, reserved tetragram with letters 'B O H Θ H C o ν, K y p I E' = 'Help, Lord'; traces of enamel fill. 8.06 grams, 24.19 mm overall, 20.04 x 18.33 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)
Acquired from Derek Content, 8 May 1976. Private collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent. Accompanied by an original handwritten invoice from Derek Content, 8 May 1976. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13408- 259828.
The invocation Βοήθησον, Κύριε(Help, Lord) is common in Eastern Roman tetragrams. It was the usual invocation used in baptism or other religious celebrations, but also a strong appeal for help from the Almighty in war or in other difficulties. Therefore, the inscription on the ring can be assumed to have a prophylactic function. -
Byzantine Gold Ring Depicting the Virgin and Christ with Inscription
Circa 7th century A.D.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
Thick flat-section hoop with incised legend 'ΑΓIOC ΑΓIOC ΑΓIOC KYPIOC' (holy holy holy Lord); oblate bezel with Mary Theotokos and infant, flanked by crosses potent and feint Greek legend to the border 'K[...]ΛHI / [..]OCHΘI'. 8.09 grams, 20.91 mm overall, 17.83 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)
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.13416-259786.
The ring belongs to the type of Eastern Roman band rings featuring a sheet-metal bezel, common between the 6th and 7th centuries. The inscription "thrice Holy" (*Aghios-Aghios-Aghios*) refers to the Cherubikon hymn, while the protective formula *K[YPIE] / [B]OHΘI* ...*ΛHI*.... ("Lord, help *ΛHI*") refers to the ring's owner. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring Bezel of Saint Holding Staff
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Estimate: £50 - 70 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Ellipsoid in plan with low-relief robed and nimbate figure holding a spear or staff across the body. 1.93 grams, 18.33 mm
Private collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent.
