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LOT 1717
Merovingian Bronze Ring with Facing Figure
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (6.34 grams, 25.80 mm overall, 20.46 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)).
Comprising a round-section hoop with keeled shoulders, with pointillé decoration; a lentoid bezel with pointillé border and central facing figure. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000.
From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Hadjadj, R., Bagues Merovingiennes - Gaul du Nord, Paris, 2007, item 5, for type.
FootnotesThe image is reminiscent of Celtic (Gaulish) divine iconography, and these kinds of rings were in fact found in Gallo-Roman graves, belonging to the Gallo-Roman population under Carolingian rule.
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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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 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.’ -
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.
