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LOT 0314
Medieval Gold Ring Brooch with Beast Heads
13TH CENTURY A.D.
1/2 in. (1.18 grams, 14 mm).
Annular brooch decorated with leopard heads, each originally with gem-set eyes, with two blue glass cabochons on each side of the pin.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
PublishedBailey, G., Buttons & Fasteners 500 BC-AD 1840, Witham, 2004, p.107, fig.(1)3.25.
LiteratureComparisons can be made with a silver-gilt example in the British Museum, registration number: 2003,0703.1.
FootnotesAn annular brooch is a type of brooch that is circular in shape, forming a complete ring. They were worn by both men and women of all social classes. The word 'annular' comes from the Latin word 'annulus', meaning ring. These brooches were popular in medieval Europe, particularly from the 13th to 15th centuries, and were used to fasten clothing such as tunics and cloaks.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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
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LOT 0314
Medieval Gold Ring Brooch with Beast Heads
Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£500 (EUR 580; USD 675) +BP*
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Medieval Gold Ring with Cabochon Garnet
13th-14th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Featuring a round-section hoop and a large collet set with a vibrant red garnet cabochon. 2.93 grams, 24.96 mm overall, 19.05 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)
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.13387-258006.
During the Middle Ages, gemstones were often associated with magical and protective properties they were believed to possess. Gemstones could protect against evil or poisons, as well as heightening the individual’s characteristics and strengths. -
Medieval Ring with Pentagram
12th-14th century A.D.Estimate: £60 - 80 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
With a wide hoop and an X-motif on each shoulder, oval bezel with a pentagram within pelletted border. 6.26 grams, 21.40 mm overall, 18.99 x 19.16 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S, USA 9, Europe 20, Japan 19)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
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Medieval Wooden Bench Finial in the Form of an Elephant and Castle
England, 15th century A.D.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
Carved stylised elephant with elongated ears supporting a palanquin in the form of a caste with a carved cross, foliage motif to the reverse; mounted on a velvet-covered stand. 1.31 kg total, 34.2 cm including stand
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13088-248391.
The image of an elephant carrying warriors in a howdah originated from Alexander the Great's battle against King Porus's war elephants at the Battle of Hydaspes in 326 BC. This motif became widely known in European art through the spread of Bestiaries which were medieval texts combining natural history with moralising Christian stories. One of the most well known was Matthew Paris’s imagined depictions of elephants, most notable in this case is his war elephant illustrated in Chronica maiora II, circa 1240-1255 (Cambridge, Corpus Christi College, MS 016II). Another well known manuscript - The Rochester Bestiary, circa 1230-1240 (British Library, London, Royal MS 12 F.xiii) contains a miniature with a war elephant in the midst of battle, above another image of elephants supposedly in their natural habitat. Since very few live elephants were seen in Europe during the medieval period, their representations were often more imaginative than realistic. Other Medieval bench end carvings of elephants in English churches are known, amongst them are: St Peter and St Paul, Tuttington, Norfolk; St Andrew, South Lopham, Norfolk; St Edmund, South Burlingham, Norfolk; St Andrew, Holme Hale, Norfolk. Elephants can also be found on misericords, some examples can be found at: Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, Exeter; Cathedral Church of St Peter, Gloucester; and St Mary's Church, Beverley.
