Medieval 'Thames' Iron Ball Padlock

Triangular fragment in frame with hook; three-quarter view female face with scooped wimple. 46 grams, 10 cm



with Galerie de Chartres, 8 March 2009, no.90 (Part). Ex central London gallery.

Wooden carved archway with high-relief image of St Veronica in floor-length robe standing on a domed base holding up the sudarium with the transferred image of the face of Christ with crown of thorns; raised edges and keyhole to the left edge with attachment holes for a lock mechanism, recess to the reverse. 810 grams, 32.5 cm high



Private collection, Bonn, Germany. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12057-217471.

The sudarium or 'veil of Veronica' (or Mandylion of Edessa) is alleged to bear the image of Christ's face. The story of the image's origin refers to the sixth Station of the Cross, where Saint Veronica met Jesus along the Via Dolorosa to Calvary and wiped the blood and sweat from his face with her veil. She later travelled to Rome to present the cloth to the Roman Emperor Tiberius. The veil has been said to have healing properties.

With integral ellipsoid bezel set with a carnelian cabochon. 4.33 grams, 18.91 mm overall, 15.29 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G 1/2, USA 3 1/2, Europe 5.55, Japan 5)

Fine condition.

Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.