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LOT 1942
Large Medieval 'London' Bronze Signet Ring
15TH-16TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (11.69 grams total, 26.75 mm overall, 22.20 mm internal diameter (approximate size British X, USA 11 1/2, Europe 26.29, Japan 25)).
D-section hoop and disc bezel with crowned 'H' between fronds; attached to a collector's card with sample seal impression and legend 'London?'. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound London, UK.
From the collection of Dame Joan Evans (1893-1977), thence gifted during her lifetime to a gentleman collector friend from South East England.
Dame Joan Evans, DBE, FSA, FRHistS, enjoyed a long and distinguished career as an author and historian. She was appointed the president of the Society of Antiquaries in 1959, the first woman to hold this position, serving until 1964. From 1948 to 1951, Joan Evans served as President of the Royal Archaeological Institute. She received the Society’s gold medal in 1973. Joan Evans was honoured with a host of honorary degrees and fellowships, as well as fellowships of the Royal Historical Society and the Royal Society of Literature. She was a Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur, and was appointed a Dame of the British Empire in 1976. She served as a trustee of both the London and the British museums, and as a member of the advisory council of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
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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Hexafoil in plan with raised rim and two holes for mounting pins; low-relief bird-head image, 'pelican in her piety'. 2.65 grams, 18 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Medieval Gold Dragon Ring Brooch with Inscription
Circa 14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,040
Annular type with serpent or dragon modelled in the lower segment and legend in Lombardic capitals 'AMIE GEI' with the second word abbreviated for 'GEINT(E)'. 1.13 grams, 11 mm
From a UK private collection since the 1970s.
'Amie geint(e)' means ‘beautiful lover (fem.)’, or ‘noble lover’ (gei as a spelling for gai, which, if permissible, would yield an unabbreviated inscription meaning ‘happy/cheerful beloved’, has not been noted – there are no spellings with -e- recorded). -
Medieval Bronze Altar Cross on Tripod Base
10th-11th century A.D. or earlierEstimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
Comprising an expanding-arm cross supporting a short neck with disc finial above; below, a short shank with trumpet-shaped baluster and triangular base, scooped in profile with segmented radiating legs and domed feet; a knop placed between each pair of legs. 669 grams, 23 cm
with Juliette Noujaim, Arqueologie, Islamic Art, Le Louvre des Antiquaires, Paris. Acquired by the present owner from the above in 2005. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12290-222317.
