Egyptian Style Stone Amulet Collection

Saint George on horseback, dispatching the dragon with a spear; the saint dressed in lamellar Roman cuirass and seated on a high-ended saddle secured by breast, rump, and belly straps; Old Slavic inscription on the top, reciting Saint George (Свято́й Гео́ргий ). 90 grams, 65 mm



Acquired from Chris Martin-Zakheim, Iconastas, 5 Piccadilly Arcade, London SW1. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s.

According to the Christian tradition, Saint George would have lived between the end of the 3rd century and the beginning of the 4th century: born into a noble Christian family, he became an officer in the Roman army and was then named a praetorian by Diocletian. But when the same emperor decided to resume the persecutions, Saint George became a victim despite his important political rank. His role in the development of the faith is so important that he is included among the Great Martyrs of the Eastern Church and his fight against the dragon becomes a symbol par excellence of the fight for good which defeats evil.

A reproduction of a Medieval seal discoid in plan with flange handle to reverse; central incuse design of facing Christ in loincloth, nimbate and holding a processional cross with legend 'MARIA', beside a tree with kneeling nimbate Mary, her hands extended and legend 'RABONI' above; scallop motifs in the field, outer band of egg-and-dart moulding; legend to inner band ' ·:· SIGILLVM ·:· CAPPITULI ·:· VEZELIASSENSIS' (chief seal of Vézelay [in Burgundy, France]). 54.2 grams, 61 mm



Private collection, UK.

The reference is to the incident in John v.20 where Jesus said to his mother, “Mary” and she turned toward him and cried out “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

With long ovoid bowl, square-section shank and broad scooped finial; usage wear. 75 grams, 20.2 cm



Acquired in the 1980s. From an old Cheshire, UK, archaeological collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.