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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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Migration Period Silver Buckle and Mount Collection
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Including kidney-shaped and other types, with openwork stiffener plate, strap end and other items. 26.34 grams total, 16-30 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 Early Christian Fish Symbol
6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Comprising a D-section hoop expanding at the shoulders, an oval bezel with a stylised fish flanked by linear motifs. 5.72 grams, 25.40 mm overall, 19.14 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S, USA 9, Europe 20, Japan 19)
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
The 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. -
Large Gothic Silver-Gilt Fibula
Bosphorean Culture, 5th century A.D.Estimate: £3,500 - 4,500 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,750
Comprising: a semi-circular headplate with a ram-head knop at the apex and applied gilt projections at the sides forming part of the spring mechanism; deep keeled bow with a petalled finials; keeled subrectangular footplate with a rounded finial and a tapering catchplate below. 67 grams, 20.7 cm
L. De Clercq collection, Belgium, 1980s. Ex private European 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 search certificate number no. 13013-246783.
These types of fibulae were mainly found in female burials and were placed on the right side of the chest and on the left shoulder. It was from this period that the custom of wearing wide belts with buckles and a pair of brooches on the shoulders spread along the south-western Black Sea coast, having originated among the Germanic tribes of the western Roman provinces.
