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LOT 1746
Merovingian Bronze Ring with Early Christian Fish Symbol
6TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (5.72 grams, 25.40 mm overall, 19.14 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S, USA 9, Europe 20, Japan 19)).
Comprising a D-section hoop expanding at the shoulders, an oval bezel with a stylised fish flanked by linear motifs. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000.
From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
See Bequest, F., Catalogue of the finger rings Early Christian, Byzantine, Teutonic, Mediaeval and later, London, 1912, no.146, for the typology.
FootnotesThe German tribes who settled inside the Roman Empire were great wearers of rings; archaeological discoveries show that these ornaments were worn by adults and children of both sexes. The number of graves excavated in Gaul and Germany is large, and the material for comparative study is extensive. A considerable proportion of rings are signets, with portraits, names or monograms, and emblems such as the cross, the fish, the dove, i.e. early Christian symbols; most of these have the designs cut in a metal bezel.
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 1746
Merovingian Bronze Ring with Early Christian Fish Symbol
Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
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Merovingian Ring with Scrolls
Circa 640-680 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Comprising a wide hoop with linear decoration on the shoulders, an oval bezel with incuse scrolls. 10.53 grams, 26.37 mm overall, 19.40 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.63, Japan 19)
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
The image on the bezel is reminiscent of the spiral motifs connected to Celto-Germanic mythology. They were associated with life force, energy, the seed of life, and cycles of existence.’ -
Gothic Bronze Radiate-Headed Brooch
Late 5th-early 6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
Comprising: D-shaped headplate and seven radiating lobes, flat ribbed bow, lozengiform footplate with piriform finial, pin-lug and catch to the reverse. 17.5 grams, 61 mm
Ex property of an Essex, UK, gentleman collector. From the private collection of a Colchester, UK, gentleman. -
Merovingian Child's Ring with Cross
Circa 600-700 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
Comprising a slender flat-section hoop with a raised circular bezel with incuse cross potent. 1.07 grams, 19.18 mm overall, 16.41 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
The ring belongs to Type 4b of Hadjadj classification. The image is a clear early Christian motif. A considerable proportion of rings found in the graves show portraits, names or monograms, and emblems such as the cross, the fish, the dove, i.e. early Christian symbols, most of these have the designs cut in a metal bezel.
