Gilt Wooden Icon of Archangel Gabriel

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.

Depicting a robed and nimbate figure of Saint Eleutherios, facing, hands gesturing in front of his chest, text in Greek across left and right fields reading 'O Aγιος Ἐλευθέριος,' (Saint Eleutherios). 596 grams, 33.5 cm



Ex French gallery, Paris.

As bishop in Illyricum, Eleutherios promoted Christianity at a time when the persecutions not only made it difficult to win and hold converts, but also at a time when it was very dangerous to be a high-ranking prelate of the church. Oblivious to this threat, he was acclaimed in the inner circle of Christianity as the brightest luminary of Christian Rome since the apostles. His immense popularity grew and thereby became more dangerous to the state. He was finally brought to the attention of Emperor Hadrian, who ordered his arrest, tortured and put him to death on December 15th.

Displaying polychrome glazes and designs including figures, flowers, animals and scenes showing sailing vessels in ports. 1.8 kg total, 13 x 13 cm each



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.