Etching of St Malo Entree du Chateau

Comprising a rhomboid hoop and inset an amethyst cabochon, with intaglio portrait bust of a king or god (Herakles?) looking right. 5.87 grams, 25.14 mm overall, 19.14 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)



From a private family collection formed since the early 19th century, thence by descent. Property of a New Zealand legal professional. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12330-223720.

The engraved head probably is depicting a Greek king or a Roman emperor from the Antonine Dynasty of the 2nd century A.D. The style of engraving does not assist with making a firm identification, but a cameo with a similar subject is in the Guy Ladriére collection and the head is attributed to Emperor Hadrian (Scarisbrick, Wagner, Boardman, 2016b, no. 40). The subject was extremely popular in modern times, and identification with Heracles is also possible.

With stepped lozengiform bezel, central gilt plaque with skeleton and star, guilloche to the shoulder; inscribed in florid italic hand to the inner face of the hoop 'Vive Memor Leti' (be mindful of death in life). 4.14 grams, 22.92 mm overall, 18.42 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



Private collection, Arundel, West Sussex, UK, 1980s.

The Latin phrase is taken from the work of the 1st century AD poet Aulus Persius Flaccus, Satires V 151-3: vive memor leti ! fugit hora; hoc quod loquor inde est (Live mindful of death. Time is fleeting [and] every word I speak is [borrowed] from it.).

Including 'RMBI 105th Festival 1947' badge, penannular finger ring, pierced coins and other items. 88 grams total, 14-49 mm



Ex Stocker collection, Kent, UK, 1955-early 2000s.