Medieval Gold Dagger Escutcheon

With 21 lines of bastarda script text in black with blue versals and gold leaf detailing, red and blue decorative blocking, vertical bar with beast-head finial to margin; drypoint ruling visible. 5.41 grams, 23.3 x 16.7 cm



From an important collection of Christian artefacts formed by a London gentleman, 1970s-1980s. From the private collection of Mr David Barker, London, UK; thence by descent.

With integral ellipsoid bezel set with a carnelian cabochon. 4.33 grams, 18.91 mm overall, 15.29 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G 1/2, USA 3 1/2, Europe 5.55, Japan 5)

Fine condition.

Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

The outer band with incuse legend '+ AQUILA IOhANNIS' (Eagle of [Saint] John]), suspension loop above with a leaf terminal to the reverse; set with a 2nd century A.D. Roman carnelian intaglio with a military eagle standing with spread wings, a laurel crown held in its beak, the claws gripping the base, two military standards at its sides; both shafts decorated with alternating phalerae, and lunulae. 3.74 grams, 21 mm



From the Smith family collection, formed in the late 1940s-1980s. 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. 12045-217155.

Often the military intaglio gemstones of the ancient Rome were carved with an eagle between two standards. These intaglios could have been inserted in rings that belonged to an officer with the rank of Aquilifer (bearer of the legionary eagle). From the 4th century A.D., the vision of Ezekiel and John's Apocalypse, assigned the lion, the angel, the eagle, and the ox a place in the iconography of the Tetramorph to represent the four evangelists.