Loading, please wait...
LOT 1614
Medieval Bronze Ring with Olive Branch
CIRCA 15TH-16TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (3.86 grams, 24.84 mm overall, 22.88 mm internal diameter (approximate size British W, USA 11, Europe 25, Japan 24)).
Composed of a roughly flat-section hoop with expanded shoulders and stepped oval bezel engraved with a stylised olive branch, flanking shallow zigzags. [No Reserve]
ProvenancePrivate collection formed since the 1940s.
UK art market.
Property of an Essex gentleman.
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Medieval Bronze Ring Brooch and Mount Group
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13
Comprising a heavy ring attached to a pin with hoop; and lozenge-shaped mount with six raised bosses and loop to verso. 28.4 grams total, 26-45 mm
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Somerset collector, UK, since at least the early 2000s. -
Medieval Gold Ring with Inscription
14th-15th century A.D.Estimate: £3,500 - 4,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,944
The keeled hoop with three X-motifs, two stylised animal heads supporting the oval bezel inscribed with Lombardic letters (letters M and X separated by decorative motifs, cross to the top); the possibly earlier intaglio with a draped bust of an empress (Faustina the Younger?) in profile to the left, with an elongated neck and curled hair tied back in a bun at the nape of the neck. 5.98 grams, 22.96 mm overall, 18.46 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)
Acquired at Christie's, New York (Antiquities Sale), circa 2000. Important North West London collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.11818-204560.
It is likely that the inscription is abbreviation for 'Memento Mori', meaning 'remember you must die', accompanied by a cross and X for Christ. This imagery served as a reminder to the Christians to keep their soul in good order for the final judgment. -
Medieval Judges Bible Page by Johann Gruninger
Printed 1492 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Being a single, double-sided leaf from an early printed paper Latin bible for the Book of Judges, chapters 15-18; the text set in two columns of blackletter type with numerous hand-applied rubrications (embellishments) in red, with foliation and other marks; square woodblock versals; printed by Johann Gruninger of Strasbourg with commentary by Nicholas de Lyra. 11 grams, 33 x 24.5 cm
Ex M Cummings collection, UK, 1990s-2000s. Accompanied by a Vulgate Latin text with English translation.
This portion of the Book of Judges tells of Samson slaying a thousand Philistines with the 'jawbone of an ass' together with the betrayal by Delilah, his loss of strength and capture when his hair was cut and and his eventual death by pulling down the pillars.
