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LOT 2200
Medieval Iron Lock Collection
18TH-19TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 - 3 in. (256 grams total, 33-75 mm).
Including barrel-lock and parts, and other items; many of these objects are published in the Detector Finds book series. [4, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
LiteratureCf. Bailey, G. Detector Finds 3, Witham, 1997, p.42-3.
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:
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Medieval Style 'Billy and Charley' Fantasy Pendant
19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
By William Smith and Charles Eaton; obverse: head with radiate crown; reverse: crowned figure with dagger and chalice. 112 grams, 10.7 cm
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
"Billy and Charlies", also known as the Shadwell forgeries, refer to a very extensive series of fake antiquities made in Victorian London by William Smith (Billy) and Charles Eaton (Charley). They were mudlarks who searched the Thames for items of value. William Edwards, a London antique dealer, made Billy's acquaintance around about 1845, and he met Charley some years later. He paid them for items of interest that they found. Billy and Charley earned money from this until 1857, when they decided to counterfeit antiquities. They cast objects from lead or pewter, cutting dies into plaster of Paris moulds with nails and knives, and bathing the finished items in acid to simulate aging. Their commonest products were medallions, but others included daggers, statuettes, ampullae and even small shrines; as they were both illiterate the inscriptions on many of the objects are nonsense. They sold their forgeries to very prominent collectors of the time who thought they were genuine. Eventually, due to the large volume of objects that were appearing on the market, they were arrested and tried at court though they could not be found guilty of any crime at the time. They were released and carried on producing fakes but their style of manufacture had become well known and they eventually disappeared from history. -
Byzantine Style Gold Ring with Niello Cruciform Monogram
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £650
Slender hoop surmounted by a trumpet-shaped bezel in 6th-7th century A.D. style with cross fourchee and monogram legend 'SωMИ'. 8.52 grams, 27.19 mm overall, 17.40 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)
Acquired Schuler Auctions, Zurich, Switzerland. Property of a North American gallery. -
Tudor Period Gold 'DENIAL IS DEATH' Decorated Posy Ring
16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,235
With reserved rosettes and pellets to the outer face; legend in seriffed capitals to the inner face 'DENIAL IS DEATH'. 1.22 grams, 16.80 mm overall, 15.43 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I 1/2 , USA 4 1/2, Europe 8.07, Japan 7)
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
