Medieval and Later Lead Artefact Group

Mixed group of keys with looped handles. 225 grams total, 6.5-12.9 cm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Suffolk, UK, gentleman.

Hollow-formed with pie-dish bezel and inset cameo. 3.17 grams, 21.26 mm overall, 17.72 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)



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

The cameo is Italian and carved in the classical style of the 2nd century AD, although it dates to the 18th century. Her hair is tied back, and she is wearing a double-banded diadem. The agate displays a deep umber hue, with the bust depicted in light bluish white with highlights of light caramel. In the late 18th century, interest in the classical world became exponentially high, and demand became great for objects from or relating to the ancient world. The high-carat gold ring dates to the late 18th century; there is a small dent to the shoulder of the band.

Comprising a round-section hoop with foliate decoration on the shoulders, oval setting with a beaded border and gadrooned underside, set with a dark carnelian intaglio depicting a warrior hero, in heroic nudity, resting after the battle; such images usually referring to the god Ares or heroes like Achilles or Theseus; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 4.66 grams, 23.39 mm overall, 17.88 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)



Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13394-257950.