Byzantine Silver Ring Bezel with Inscription

Finial from a processional or altar cross, with incised guilloche bands to the obverse and central socket for a cabochon, lobes to the angles; pierced lower arm with attachment scars to both faces. 56.4 grams, 98 mm



Belgium collection, 1980s. From the collection of an London antiquarian.

These kind of crosses were mainly used for religious purposes. However, in 6th and 7th centuries A.D., they could be fixed at the top of the standards of the Roman Christian Army, as clearly described from the Arab sources speaking about the battle of Yarmouk. For this battle the Arab sources give a detailed description of the Roman standards, with at the top a golden cross, a golden cross tied to a silver chain, a cross with glittering jewels, a golden cross encrusted with jewels. The cross at the top of the standards, also of small dimensions like this one, is visible on miniature statuette of Roman Cavalrymen/Military Saints from Roman Egypt.

With reserved image of a bird with wings folded against the body, with old label to verso '5164 / 3.200 fm'. 402 grams, 18 cm



Private collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent.

With a heavy hollow-formed hoop, three pellets to each shoulder; raised square bezel set with emerald framed with pelletted border, four applied loops to the outer edge holding decorative gold wire with seed pearls. 6.70 grams, 27.95 mm overall, 16.94 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I, USA 4 1/4, Europe 7.44, Japan 7)



Ex New York, USA, private collection in the early 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12105-214336.