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LOT 1864
Celtic to Medieval Bronze Ring Collection
1ST CENTURY B.C.-16TH CENTURY A.D.
3/4 - 1 in. (28.6 grams total, 21-25 mm).
Comprising six rings with decorative bezels. [6, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000.
From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. for some medieval types Stanojev, N., Nekropolen aus dem 10.-15.Jahrhundert in der Vojvodina, Novi Sad, 1989, fig.513.
FootnotesA similar ring with a silver sheet and notched decoration was found in the Necropolis of Zabran, Zemun, and dated 10th-15th century A.D. These rings were often decorated with geometric and abstract lines.
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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Medieval Bronze Chess Piece Type Seal Matrix with Clasped Hands
14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Chessman-type seal with clasped hands to the tondo, border with 'PRIVE SV' (I am private) legend. 5.96 grams, 17 mm
From the collection of a late Gloucestershire, UK, collector. -
Medieval Gilt and Niello Hat Badge with Marriage of the Virgin
Italy, circa 1500 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
Niello plaque depicting the marriage ceremony between Mary and Joseph, set in a gilt brass mount with a rope twist border, four loops for attachment. 10.8 grams, 46 mm
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the Belgian art market.
Niello is a black mixture, usually of sulphur, copper, silver and lead. It is used as an inlay on engraved or etched metal, especially silver. It is added as a powder or paste, then fired until it melts or at least softens and flows or is pushed into the engraved lines in the metal. Men began wearing hat ornaments on their caps from the late fifteenth century, which could be either purely decorative or symbolic. Symbolic examples are traditionally known as enseignes, as they conveyed the wearer’s personal intent or a visible message. These jewels trace their origins to the medieval pilgrim badge, usually mass-produced in base metal. It is believed that this fashion shift to a stylish male accessory began when French king Charles VIII entered Naples in February 1495, wearing a gold circular jewel on his cap, while his men had similar, though not gold, jewels on their caps or sleeves. Italians quickly adopted this trend, which then spread to most European courts. However, this fashion declined in the late sixteenth to early seventeenth century, giving way to the popularity of aigrettes. -
Medieval Bronze Decorated Archer's Thumb Ring
14th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
With broad triangular flange, low-relief incised herringbone bands. 7.26 grams, 35.55 mm overall, 21.19 mm internal diameter (approximate size British X 1/2, USA 11 3/4, Europe 26.92, Japan 25)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
