Large Byzantine Inscribed Bronze Glove Ring with Swan

CIRCA 15TH CENTURY A.D.

1 in. (12.22 grams, 25.54 mm overall, 21.20 mm internal diameter (approximate size British X 1/2, USA 11 3/4, Europe 26.92, Japan 25)).

With facetted shoulders and octagonal bezel, central swan motif surrounded by enigmatic Greek text 'IOHMOK HΠ[.]IKO'. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Private collection formed since the 1940s.
UK art market.
Property of an Essex gentleman.

Literature

Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, items 599, 641, for type; Stanojev, N., Nekropolen aus dem 10.-15.Jahrhundert in der Vojvodina, Novi Sad, 1989, figs.158-161, 223-224, for the type.

Footnotes

Similar rings have been found in the area of Vojvodina, where the military and ecclesiastical presence of Byzantium was still strong until the 13th century. The signet ring shows a Greek inscription probably made by Slavonic people using Greek letters as an 'imitation' of earlier Eastern Roman rings.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine 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:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 0982