German Silver Mounted Agate Altar Cross

Formed as a standing bull with exaggerated neckhump, four stub legs and long curving horns, U-shaped muzzle forming the spout. 1.37 kg, 36.5 cm wide



Private collection of Dr Alvin M. Soffe (c.1922–1995) and Elizabeth Ann Soffe, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, acquired circa 1960s–1970s; thence by descent. Accompanied by a copy of a letter no.S00256670 from the Art Loss Register confirming that this item was not found on their database.

Featuring a smooth exterior and D-shaped in cross-section, a flat internal face with an inscription in upper case Roman letters, reading 'BE . TRVE . IN . HART' for 'Be true in heart' with the stops formed as small crosses and the N reversed. 4.25 grams, 20.66 mm overall, 18.06 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Edgmond, Telford & Wrekin, UK, by George Elymn, on 27 October 2024. Recorded with the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) with reference no.HESH-B237EA; handed in as Treasure under the Treasure Act, and subsequently disclaimed and returned to the finder. Accompanied by a copy of the Report for H M Coroner on finding of Potential Treasure, with reference no.2025T1645. Accompanied by a copy of a letter from the British Museum explaining that the Crown's interest in this find has been disclaimed.

The 'posy' name is derived from the 'poesy' (motto) engraved around the hoop. In medieval examples, the posy is usually found around the hoop exterior, although on later examples, inscriptions were more usually engraved on the interior. Rings with amatory inscriptions can be found from the 14th century AD onwards, when they served as love gifts, betrothal and wedding rings. Posy rings were also given to friends or used to mark significant occasions. Posies were composed by the giver, kept in stock by goldsmiths, or could be selected from published compendiums or commonplace books such as 'The Mysteries of Love or the Arts of Wooing' (1658 AD), or 'Love's Garland or Posies for Rings, Hand-kerchers and Gloves and such pretty tokens that Lovers send their Loves' (1674 AD). Rings were one genre of personal item amongst many to be adorned with posies at this time.

Carved in the round bust depicting a faun or centaur with a youthful face; the hair falling in exuberant curls over the goat-like ears, the mouth parted in laughter, the eyes set beneath a stern brow; on an integral pedestal base with repair to reverse. 21.4 kg, 45 cm high



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.13392-259012.

Monumental marble centaurs were excavated together at Hadrian's Villa in December 1736. Pope Clement XIII secured them for the Capitoline Museum, where they remain to this day. Bronze reproductions of the famous centaurs were very much in vogue amongst the Grand Tour travellers of the 18th century.