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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 Bronze Ring with Female Figure
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
D-section hoop and a raised lentoid bezel with an incuse image of a facing woman dressed in a long skirt. 4.98 grams, 25.85 mm overall, 19.73 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U, USA 10, Europe 22.52, Japan 21)
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
The ring belongs to the Type 4a of Hadjadj classification, i.e. rings with a sinuous and continuous profile. The image on the bezel is reminiscent of motifs linked to the Romano-Celtic mythology, and that of the mother goddess. -
Migration Period Silver-Gilt Stud with Cabochon
6th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Square in plan with stepped cell and inset cabochon garnet; mounting spike to reverse. 6.03 grams, 19 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Merovingian Bronze Ring with Boar's Head
500-700 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Comprising a slender hoop and a discoid bezel with a stylised boar. 3.99 grams, 21.38 mm overall, 20.12 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
The ring belongs to the Type 4a of Hadjadj classification. The image is reminiscent of Celto-Roman iconography, although the boar was also a totemic symbol of various Germanic warriors.
