Loading, please wait...
LOT 1653
Medieval Lead Steelyard Weight Group
13TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
1 - 1 5/8 in. (221 grams total, 23-41 mm).
Two pyramidal type with hole at the apex, one conical. [3, No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx Simmons gallery, 1990s.
From a North London, UK, collection.
TimeLine 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.
-
'The Drayton' Medieval Gold Ring with Magical Inscription
1200-1300 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £7,150
The bezel developing to a low pyramid with lateral facets, surmounted by an inset cabochon sapphire set within an irregular cell; a quatrefoil plaque to each shoulder, and three more regularly placed around the shank; carinated hoop with magical Lombardic script '+NI ONAN NRIO ONIC / NIAI AINO ANIOI NAN'. 3.95 grams, 25.72 mm overall, 19.75 x 18.44 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)
Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Drayton, Vale of the White Horse, Oxfordshire, UK, on Sunday 16th September 2018 by Chris Weir. Declared as treasure under the Treasure Act with reference no.2018T853, subsequently disclaimed and returned to the finder. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.GLO-0BFB91. Accompanied by a letter from the finder describing the circumstances of finding. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12118-214086.
Many late medieval rings and brooches bear similarly meaningless inscriptions, perhaps due to the illiteracy of the engraver who nevertheless was aware that customers required an inscription, so provided one. Alternatively, since the text is composed from repeated sequences 'NI', 'AI', etc. based on an open syllabic structure, the words may be intended as a chant or magical charm. For discussion of such inscriptions see Evans, J., Magical Jewels of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Oxford, 1922, pp.121-132, for inscribed jewels. -
Medieval Stained Glass Panel with Christ before Pilate
Southern Germany, perhaps Ravensburg, circa 1420 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £8,450
Rectangular glass panel in lead frame; nimbate figure of Christ confronting Pontius Pilate in a landscape. 2.65 kg, 60.5 x 36 cm
From the estate of Lloyd and Margit Cotsen, 2023. Ex central London gallery. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12147-217458. -
Medieval Pair of English Limestone Corbels
Circa 15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
Each a rectangular block with carved male head; the figure looking to his right wearing a low chaperon with thick rolled brim; the other figure wearing a close-fitting cap with broad upturned rim; each mounted on a custom-made stand. 62.55 kg total including stands, 43.5-44.5 cm deep
Believed to be from a building in the West Country, UK. Acquired from Lichen Garden Antiques, Oxfordshire, UK, in 2012. Property of a Kent collector.
