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LOT 0370
Large Natural Pink Sapphire in 24 Carat Gold Mughal Ring
BURMA, CIRCA 18TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (20.3 grams, 33.21 mm overall, 16.21x17.28 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)).
Comprising a solid round-section ring with a large, rectangular bezel set with a vibrant pink sugarloaf-shaped sapphire.
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of Lord Ian Balfour, author of 'Famous Diamonds'; received by gift to the present owner circa 2001.
Accompanied by a copy of a Gemmological Certification Services lab report invoice no.41731.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13268-251909.
Cf. the image of Queen Arjumand Banu Begum wearing similar rings in Dirlam, D.M., Rogers C.L., Weldon, R. ‘Gemstones in the Era of the Taj Mahal and the Mughals’ in Ems & Gemology, 2019, pp.294-319, fig.4.
FootnotesAccording to the GCS report, there is no indication of heating, and they have estimated the weight of the sapphire to be between 10 and 20 carats. Subsequent CT scanning has confirmed that the weight of the sapphire is 16.3 carats.
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 0370
Large Natural Pink Sapphire in 24 Carat Gold Mughal Ring
Estimate £12,000 - 17,000€13,920 - 19,720 (for guidance only)$16,200 - 22,950 (for guidance only)
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George V Silver Coin Pin Brooch
Circa 1920s A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13
Composed of four threepence coins with a hinged pin and catchplate on the reverse. 6.78 grams, 56 mm
From the private collection of the late Alison Barker, a retired London barrister, acquired 1960s–1990s. Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by an old handwritten receipt on a Lapada tag. -
Enamelled Bronze Dagger Pommel
Circa 18th century A.D. or earlierEstimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Comprising a rectangular-section body pierced longitudinally with knop finial; lateral bowed arms with scrolled ends rising to the level of the knop and similar flared below; panels of arabesque tendril ornament to both flat faces and to the lateral arms; damaged. 42.9 grams, 38 mm
From an English private collection, 1980s. Property of a London, UK, antiquarian.
There seems to be a good argument for this pommel to be part of the French group of crusader pommels in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and in the University of Chicago, which date to the 12th-13th century A.D. This object has parallels with this group in terms of its crude manufacture, type of enamel, and overall style, as well as the fleur in scallop shape, which is almost identical to the lobes found on many of the circular sword pommels of this group. -
Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Saint Nicholas
19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £252
Representing Saint Nicholas of Mira, with a Gospel in his left hand and making the gesture of blessing with his right, dressed as a bishop, with sticharion, covered by omophorion, and surmounted by an epitrachelion, all embroidered with crosses; the saint flanked by Jesus and Virgin Mary, Christ holding the Gospel, Mary the bishop’s epitrachelion; Cyrillic inscriptions 'Saint Nikolaos the Wonderworker (СВЯТЫЙ НИКОЛА ЧУДОТВОРЕЦ), Iesus Christos (ΙΣ ΧC) and Mother of God (ΜΡ ΘΥ)' on the enamelled background. 341 grams, 12.1 cm
Acquired from Chris Martin-Zakheim, Iconastas, 5 Piccadilly Arcade, London SW1. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s.
The icon features meticulous craftsmanship typical of Orthodox iconography. The enamel colors, despite the passage of time, retain their vibrant intensity, highlighting the key elements of the depicted images. The refined details and use of enamel give depth and luminosity to the icon, making it a precious example of the Russian Orthodox tradition.