Large Tudor or Stuart Period Iron Door Key

Depicting the Holy Trinity, represented by three winged figures, each with a three-prong staff, sitting on stools around a table with three cups, trees and the outline of a cathedral behind. 67.5 grams, 62 mm



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 subject is based on the traditional Russian interpretation of Genesis,18, in which three figures appear to Abraham at the oak tree of Mamre. The central figure is usually identified as Jesus Christ, while God the Father is on the right and the Holy Spirit on the left. The subject of the icon originated from a very famous 15th century painting by Andrei Rublev.

Including scarab with figural scene and legend to underside, plano-convex type with wreath, perching bird and legend, and other types; after the antique. 78 grams total, 15-33 mm



From the late S M collection, London, UK, 1969-1999.

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. 453 grams, 13.5 cm



Acquired 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.

In 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.