Elizabethan Gold Ring with Diamond Crystal

Comprising: one with an openwork D-shaped plaque, tendril and leaf detail with inset cloisons of ruby, sapphire, tourmaline and glass, penannular hoop with disc terminals, stamped 'ɅΦɅ' and other marks to the ring and shank; one with openwork triangular plaque with scrolled tendrils and central ropework star, pierced lobe finial, penannular hoop with lobe terminals, stamped lozenge to the lobe finial and others to the hoop. 20.8 grams total, 57-80 mm



Acquired 1970s. Ex property of an Essex, UK, collector.

The stones set in the D-shaped plaque are a mixture of gem cuts from several time periods, the earliest being Tudor. It is likely that they are the silversmith's accumulation from several pieces of older jewellery broken down for their metal and stones.

Comprising a slender hoop with shell-shaped shoulders, hinged oval bezel with secret compartment revealing a silvered skull framed by turquoise cabochons, the eyes set with diamonds or other stones; accompanied by a ring box. 3.95 grams, 20.00 mm overall, 16.20 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)



Acquired from Berganza, Hatton Garden, London, 2016. Property of an East Sussex collector. Accompanied by a copy of the Berganza invoice. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11666-197585.

Likely a ring of the memento mori genre.

Bicorn hat and epaulettes, the left hand side of the bicorn bears a black cockade, with twisted gold bullion wires on both front and back ends, edges are finished with black brocade featuring a continuous oakleaves and acorns, inside is lined with white silk and cream coloured leather ‘sweat band’; together with its original early Japanned tin hat box with brass handle and plaque engraved 'Capt'n T L Massie R.H.', and crowned arms engraved 'Portsmouth'. 1.8 kg, 50 cm



Acquired from M D L Historic Military Antiques. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by a copy of listing and biographical information.

Leeke was born at Coddington Hall, Cheshire, on 20th October 1802. He entered the navy in 1818, serving in the Mediterranean on board HMS Rochfort, and later on different ships. Leeke was promoted to lieutenant in 1827, was made commander on Queen Victoria's coronation on 28th June 1838, and to second captain in March 1840, and, for the part he played in the capture of Acre during the Oriental Crisis, he was promoted to captain in 1841. In 1849 Leeke was appointed to HMS Cleopatra which he commanded in the East Indies and China during the Second Anglo-Burmese War. In 1854 he commissioned HMS Powerful, becoming rear-admiral in 1860, vice-admiral in 1866 and admiral in 1872. He died in 1898.