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LOT 0242
Large Byzantine Silver Archer's Ring
14TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 in. (22.61 grams, 34.77 mm overall, 25.16 mm internal diameter).
A substantial silver archer's ring comprising a hoop with reserved triangular ornament on the edges and triangular plaque with foliage motifs, raised central panel with frond motif.
ProvenanceAcquire in the 1990s.
Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.
Cf. Bikic, V., ‘Beyond the Jewellery: Archer’s Rings in the Medieval Balkans (14th-15th centuries)’ in Bosselmann-Ruickbie, A. (ed.), New Research on Late Byzantine Goldsmiths’ Works (13th-15th Centuries), Mainz, 2019, figs. 5, 6, 7.
FootnotesArcher rings in Late Byzantium and the medieval Balkans were connected with the employment of the powerful composite bow, but very often, in 14th century, they were rank symbol for aristocratic noblemen. Archaeological findings of archers’ rings originate mainly from fortified towns, including mining centres. Many were made in bone, simple in design and undecorated. In contrast, the ones made in bronze and silver were usually decorated in rather uniform style, consisting of floral motifs on the head, mostly tulip and foliage, and linear motifs around the edges. This decoration combined Turkish, Central European and Eastern Roman traditional patterns.
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AUCTIONS:
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Luristan Socketted Axehead
13th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £89
A small, heavy socketted bronze axehead with convex cutting edge. 243 grams, 86 mm
Fine condition.
English collection formed in the 1990s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman.
Unadorned weapons, especially axes, adzes and picks, were made by Luristan craftsmen using simple clay or stone bivalve moulds, into which was inserted a core to form the socket for the shaft. Typically, the metallic composition consisted of a combination of arsenical bronze and copper, together with a small percentage of lead. -
Levantine Helmet with Opposing Ibexes
8th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,200
A Levantine or Assyrian domed bronze helmet of ovoid shape with slightly pointed top and integral cheek-pieces; chased low-relief decoration to both front and back depicting insignia of a pair of opposing ibexes flanking a small palm tree; the edge with regularly disposed holes for fastening of the leather lining; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 458 grams, 23 cm high (2.36 kg total, 31.5 cm high including stand)
Fine condition, some restoration.
Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11386-190447.
This rare helmet is an unusual example of a conical strap-helmet, linked with similar Greek strap helmets, but until now in the Near East, known only from the Assyrian reliefs. It is shown together with the crested helmets, on the reliefs of Tiglapilaser III and Sennacherib. -
Luristan Socketted Cudgel
13th-7th century B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
A bronze cudgel or handle of an axe or mace reinforced at both ends by raised moulding, the handle adorned with a double spiral in relief. 473 grams, 15.5 cm wide
Fine condition.
Private family collection formed in London, mid 1980s to early 1990s.
