Merovingian Bronze Inscribed Ring

Comprising: ellipsoid loop with hollowed underside; tongue with D-shaped shield bearing stylised facing mask among pellets, waisted and curved over the forward edge of the loop; rectangular plate with applied sheet-gold triangular panels bearing repoussé rings, waves, points and other motifs, gold cellwork and segmented frame with garnet cloisons, a central garnet cabochon, segmented rim; four pierced attachment lugs to the reverse. 147 grams, 98 mm



From the collection of Adolphe Stoclet, 1871-1949. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12137-217046.

The buckle plate is large and impressive, while the loop is somewhat narrower and may have been replaced. The central cabochon is a feature of buckle plates from this period (e.g. Menghin, IX.3.1, IX.5.1). The tongue-shield is of an unusual type more often found in Frankish contexts (e.g. Menghin, VII.40.18, MacGregor 77.24, 77.25, 77.26) of the same period.

With broad disc bezel and shank formed from two lateral arms; low-relief central ring with pseudo-text in the tondo. 1.63 grams, 18.43 mm overall, 16.85 mm internal diameter (approximate size British E, USA 2 1/4, Europe 2.41, Japan 2)



Acquired from Den of Antiquity, Cambridgeshire, UK, in 2010. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK.

Hollow-formed sheet gold with applied filigree collar to each mouth. 1.53 grams, 15 mm



Acquired circa 2015. Property of a Cambridgeshire, UK, collector.