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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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Dark Age Silver Boar Bow Brooch
5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,560
Comprising a circular headplate with pointillé tendril ornament, and three radiating lugs, each with a flared collar below; deep D-section bow with boar-head modelling including open mouth and tusks, bristles and pricked ears; parallel-sided chamfered edges, recurved finial with dog-head detailing and teardrop dangle in the mouth; spring and pin to the reverse. 28 grams, 65 mm
with Artemis Gallery, Münich, before 1998. Acquired by the present owner from the above in 2001. 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.12226-222179.
As the boar's mouth is modelled open, it is likely that it also had a dangle similar to that of the dog's head. The artistic effect of the brooch is to symbolise the chase, with the boar fleeing and the hound in close pursuit behind. This kind of fibula was used by the Romano-British people of Britannia, as attested by specimens found in Britain (BM inventory no.PRB 1954.12-6.1). -
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.
