Medieval Iron Knife with Wooden Handle

Comprising a round-section hoop and a large oval disc bezel; the bezel with concentric voids filled with enamel. 7.42 grams, 27.10 mm overall, 21.19 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.63, Japan 19)



Found UK. Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

This type of ring with a very large oval bezel finds a good parallel with a bronze specimen found in the area of Smederevo. The use of the enamel could suggest the continuation of the ancient Roman tradition in the territories under the Eastern Roman Empire.

D-section hoop and disc bezel with 'R' between fronds and crown above; attached to a collector's card with sample seal impression. 7.43 grams, 25.67 mm overall, 20.66 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 21.89, Japan 21)



From the collection of Dame Joan Evans (1893-1977), thence gifted during her lifetime to a gentleman collector friend from South East England.

Dame Joan Evans, DBE, FSA, FRHistS, enjoyed a long and distinguished career as an author and historian. She was appointed the president of the Society of Antiquaries in 1959, the first woman to hold this position, serving until 1964. From 1948 to 1951, Joan Evans served as President of the Royal Archaeological Institute. She received the Society’s gold medal in 1973. Joan Evans was honoured with a host of honorary degrees and fellowships, as well as fellowships of the Royal Historical Society and the Royal Society of Literature. She was a Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur, and was appointed a Dame of the British Empire in 1976. She served as a trustee of both the London and the British museums, and as a member of the advisory council of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Decorated in blue, green and red champlevé enamel, displaying the engraved figure of a standing Christ, his hands gesturing outwards towards the viewer; traces of original gilding; originally the central panel of a processional cross. 124 grams, 15.2 cm



Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the French art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13092-248393.

From the 12th to 14th century, there was a large industry producing metal objects decorated in enamel using the champlevé technique, of which most of the survivals and probably most of the original production, are religious objects such as reliquaries, crosses and statues of saints. The centre of this production was Limoges, France.