Byzantine Chain with Cross Pendant

A group of two bread stamps: one sub-rectangular in form with Greek capital letters (Mi, Iota, Iota, Tau and Tau, Iota, Eta) in raised relief, suspension lug to reverse; a leaf-shaped stamp with lugs to the perimeter and three raised letters to the centre, suspension lug to reverse. 40.8 grams total, 38 mm each



Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.

The larger bronze stamps are generally known in the relevant literature as bread stamps. These were used on the bread consecrated during the Holy Liturgy and then given to the believers as the Body of Christ during the Holy Communion, as well as to the bread which was given as a present at the end of the Liturgy, as 'Blessed bread' or Antidoron. Similar seals are still used today in the Orthodox Church.

A silver ring composed of a slender hoop decorated with raised chevrons, supporting a quatrefoil bezel displaying a Christian cross composed of shallow dimples, enclosed by a dimpled border tracing the four surrounding lobes. 3.56 grams, 21.53 mm overall, 18.09 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)



English collection formed in the 1990s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman.

A bronze enkolpion reliquary pendant with hinged body; suspension loop with ropework median panel, hollow body with obverse: nimbate Christ holding a book and legend 'ICXC / NHKA'; reverse: Mary Theotokos and infant Jesus and legend 'MΘΥ / ICXC'. 34.4 grams, 79 mm



Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman.