Byzantine Gold Cross Pendant

Piriform in profile with two thick lug handles to the shoulder, obverse with low-relief facing figure holding a large cross and orb, reverse with facing figure with hand held up in the orans posture; with a display stand. 47.2 grams, 77 mm (71.4 grams total, 91 mm including stand)



Ex private collection, Mrs L.S., 1990s. Acquired from the above, 2001. Private European collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12110-218216.

Substantial jar with dimple base, trumpet-shaped mouth with brad rim and flanked by two loop handles. 329 grams, 94 mm wide



From the early 19th century collection of General Sir George Cockburn (1763-1847), Shanganagh Castle, Co Wicklow, Ireland, sold at auction between 1935-1939. From the collection of the late Dr J.D.H. Widdness, Dublin, Ireland. Accompanied by a handwritten letter by Dr Widdness explaining the bottle's history and provenance, plus a typed transcription. Accompanied by a copy of an old black and white photograph of Dr Widdness holding and admiring the bottle while sitting in his study.

With a short shank and oblate pierced finial, hexafoil base; to the underside a reversed legend 'ANAL[Γ} / ΦOΔ[D]O / ***'. 12.3 grams, 19 mm



Acquired on the London, UK, art market in the 1990s. From a gentleman's private collection.

The seal was probably used for stamping bread in a church. Usually these stamps had two parts: a flat surface with inscriptions or geometric shapes, and a handle. The inscription is an enigma: the upper part can be read [Aθ]ANA[TOC] = Immortal and (if we accept the L like an inversed Γ (gamma) [A]Γ[ΙΟϹ] i.e. Saint = Saint Immortal, one of the three invocation to God (Saint God, Saint Mighty, Saint Immortal). However, the second row of letters is in Greek and Latin (φο-do) if we accept the letter D as a transliteration of the Greek letter Delta.