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LOT 1690
Medieval Niello Inlaid Bronze Purse Bar
15TH-16TH CENTURY A.D.
6 3/4 in. (95.9 grams, 17 cm).
Classified as a Williams Class A1 with rectangular central section, two expanding round-section arms with devolved gripping animal heads projecting from the central section; pierced attachment lobes below the arms; articulate central swivel; niello-inlaid double crisscross motif to arms and central section of both faces.
ProvenanceEx property of a Kent gentleman; found Romney Marsh area, Kent, UK, 1990-2015.
Property of a Buckinghamshire, UK, gentleman.
See Portable Antiquities Scheme, record id. PUBLIC-F46908, for similar, dated c.1450-1550 AD.
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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LOT 1690
Medieval Niello Inlaid Bronze Purse Bar
Estimate £180 - 240€210 - 280 (for guidance only)$240 - 320 (for guidance only)
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Medieval Silver Bracteate with Seated Figure
Germany, 11th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £111
Repoussé work with an enthroned figure holding cross-on-globe and a sceptre. 0.95 grams, 31.5 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired on the European art market between 1975-2000. Ex property of a Dutch collector. -
Medieval Silver Ring with Black Letter Inscription
Circa 14th-15th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Penannular in form with rounded terminals, bearing a black letter inscription to the outer face, embellished with floral sprigs; repaired. 3.19 grams, 22.85 mm overall, 19.53 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)
Private collection formed since the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman. -
Medieval Gold Ring with Inscription
14th-15th century A.D.Estimate: £3,500 - 4,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,944
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. 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)
Acquired 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.
It 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.
