Large Tudor or Stuart Period Iron Door Key

Ellipsoid with reserved profile of Karl Theodor Anton Maria Von Dalberg facing left, attributed to Johann Martin Bückle (1742-1811). 3.52 grams, 25 mm



Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market.

Karl Theodor Anton Maria von Dalberg (February 8, 1744 – February 10, 1817) was a Catholic German bishop and statesman. Throughout his career, he held various significant positions, including Prince-Archbishop of Regensburg, Arch-Chancellor of the Holy Roman Empire, Bishop of Constance and Worms, Prince-Primate of the Confederation of the Rhine, and Grand Duke of Frankfurt.

Elipsoid in plan with domed obverse; intaglio with Omphale standing nude on a baseline, right hand on her hip and supporting her club with her left; at her feet an Apulian trozella vessel; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 4.13 grams, 25 mm



Private collection, England.

The figure bears the classic symbol of Hercules - the club - but the details of her nude body and lack of beard indicate that this is a female. Omphale was the queen of Lydia, daughter of the river Lardanos. According to myth, Hercules was a slave to the beautiful queen for three years and was forced by her to dress as a woman and spin wool, giving up his lion's head. It was Omphale who donned her lion's head and wielded the club, as depicted in this intaglio, an allegory of submission and revenge in love. An interesting post-classical work.

Barrel-shaped in profile with beaded rims, diagonal bands of beading framing parcel-gilt bands with flower and tendril ornament; legend to inner face in italic capitals 'TENES LA [F]OY' (keep the faith). 2.49 grams, 21.42 mm overall, 18.09 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



Ex East Sussex private collection, 1970s-1980s.