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LOT 0415
Italian Bronze Hand-Shaped Desk Seal
17TH CENTURY A.D.
5 1/4 in. (453 grams, 13.5 cm).
Formed as a left hand with flange rim to the cuff and wrist, ring to the third finger; stud to the reverse with geralfic seal, heater shield with helmet and lambrequin, underside with stud and profile bust.
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market.
Private collection, England.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13087-249670.
Cf. Liubović, E., ‘Stemmi delle famiglie nobili italiane di Segna,’ in Alli, vol. XXIX, 1999, pp. 551-587 fig.27 p.585 for a similar heraldry.
FootnotesIn the 17th century, Italian noble seals were crucial heraldic instruments, depicting family crests, often surmounted by crowns (counts, marquises, princes) or helmets, and enriched with family specific symbols (e.g., vines for the Panevinos), portraits on horseback, or elements linked to ecclesiastical offices (papal keys) to authenticate documents, reflecting the prestige and authority of noble houses and civic patricians.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0415
Italian Bronze Hand-Shaped Desk Seal
Estimate £2,000 - 3,000€2,320 - 3,480 (for guidance only)$2,700 - 4,050 (for guidance only)
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Large Post-Classical Agate Gemstone with Zeus Serapis Allegory
17th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £910
Ellipsoid in plan with chamfer to reverse edge; incuse scene comprising a baseline with fluted column at each surmounted by an inward-facing profile; at base, a perching eagle with head turned and wreath in its beak; above, profile bust of Serapis with modius, crescent moon and sunburst; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 14.4 grams, 40 mm
Private collection, England. -
Eastern Post-Classical Agate Gemstone of a Dionysiac Bull with Vine Leaf in Ancient Silver Pendant
19th century A.D. and earlierEstimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
Silver cell with beaded band to the equator, fragment of suspension loop; inset sardonyx gemstone with possibly later intaglio profile bull on a baseline with head lowered; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 14.81 grams, 32 mm
Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13149-248676. -
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Cylinder Seal Electrotype Group
Late 19th-early 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Of academic interest, copper coated lead seal impressions taken from cylinder seals, including master of animals, courtly scenes and three with cuneiform text. 271 grams total, 34-49 mm
Possibly made by the British Museum. From a West Country, UK, private collection.
