Loading, please wait...
LOT 0353
Medieval Gold Ring with Inscription
14TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (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)).
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.
ProvenanceAcquired 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.
Cf. intaglio with head in similar style in the British Museum, inventory no.1923,0401.816 and 1873,0111.13; for a similar head see Cravinho, G., ‘Roman Engraved Gems in the National Archaeological Museum in Lisbon’ in Studies in ancient Art and Civilization, vol.21, 2017, pp.173-245, fig.43, pl.4.
FootnotesIt 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.
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
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.
LOT 0353
Medieval Gold Ring with Inscription
Estimate £3,500 - 4,500€4,060 - 5,220 (for guidance only)$4,730 - 6,080 (for guidance only)
-
Medieval Ceramic Vessel Group
15th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £46
Including glazed vessels of various types: tripod pots, dishes, platters, together with a decorated fragment; chipped and cracked. 4.15 kg total, 14.5-33.5 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
The majority of ceramics here presented are kitchen wares. Usually cooking pots are the most numerous forms in the majority of medieval contexts. They are mostly related to domestic functions, cooking pots being used to boil food or fry it. They come in different sizes and have globular bodies, everted rims and one or two handles. Ceramics from Dundee, Scotland, and Southampton, confirm that one of the most common vessel types employed among 1490-1510 A.D. was the tripod pipkin, with globular body, rounded base, three legs and a single or double handle, like the specimen here visible. These specimens were very often redware pottery imported from the Low Countries. -
Medieval Belt and Other Mounts Group
13th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
The majority bearing initials, including a crowned IHC monogram; blackletter 'B'; a possible cross cercelee within a double roundel and pellet border; together with other motifs and initials. 59 grams total, 27-52 mm
Acquired on the UK market, 1990s. Property of a retired academic. -
Medieval Iron Rowel Spur Collection
Circa 14th-16th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £40
Comprising spurs of various sizes; including examples retaining rowels and buckles. 313 grams total, 13.3-15.3 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
Early in 16th century, fashion of spurs changed and the spur were fitted with a much shorter, dropped neck, their rowels ranging from medium seven-point to large short seven points.
