Carolingian Bone Comb

Lentoid in section with thick-cut teeth to one edge and fine-cut to the other. 15.09 grams, 82 mm



Ex private central European collection. with Tkalec AG, Limmatquai 48, Zurich, early 2000s. Acquired from the above, 2006.

Wide hoop with volute decoration on the shoulders, two triangular settings on both shoulders, one side with garnet cloisonnés separated by a narrow bar, an applied strip of sheet-gold to the inside of the ring behind the setting; large oval bezel set with nicolo. 22.03 grams, 29.00 mm overall, 21.65 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U, USA 10, Europe 22.52, Japan 21)



with Fran Sternberg AG, Zurich, Sale XXVI, 16 November 1992, no.689. Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12984-245991.

A finely crafted ring featuring a prominent square bezel adorned with stylised crucifixes, flanked by outward-facing birds with hooked beaks and large ring-and-dot eyes, the bezel set with a polished amethyst pebble; keeled decorative hoop with three integral collars at the base. 11.38 grams, 34.70 mm overall, 17.74 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)



Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12983-245992.

The Langobards (or Lombards) were a Germanic people who invaded and ruled much of the Italian Peninsula from 568 to 774 AD. Their kingdom, known for its fusion of Germanic and Byzantine artistic traditions, persisted until the Carolingian conquest under Charlemagne. A Bishop’s ring is a large, often ornate ring worn by bishops as a symbol of their office and spiritual authority. Traditionally, it signifies the bishop’s commitment to the Church and is considered a mark of his episcopal dignity.