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LOT 1409
Neoclassical Gemstone Plaque
18TH-19TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 in. (21.6 grams, 43 mm).
A banded agate intaglio engraved with an ancient Assyrian(?) style figural scene showing a man with sword in hand battling a sphinx-like mythical winged creature with the head of a woman and body of a lion, swollen teats lining the creature's belly; pair of drilled holes for suspension; chipped.
ProvenanceProperty of a North London gentleman.
FootnotesLikely an allusion to ancient tales of the monstrous and treacherous sphinx attacking the hero.
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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Tudor Period Ring with Armorial Gemstone
Circa 16th-17th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
A copper-alloy ring composed of a slightly misshapen rectangular-section hoop and octagonal bezel set with a polished carnelian intaglio, engraved with an armorial design composed of a shield surmounted by a helm and bird facing right; remains of polychrome enamelled cells of foliate and geometric forms. 6.87 grams, 26.26 mm overall, 19.02 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
Found Cambridgeshire in the 1990s. -
Silver Enamelled Letter Opener with Agate Blade
19th-20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
A letter opener comprising a blue enamelled handle with reserved scrolled tendril detailing and white enamelled pellets, waisted baluster, lentoid-section nanded agate blade. 19.5 grams, 15.5 cm
English private collection. -
Stuart Period Gold Renaissance Memento Mori Signet Ring with C.L. and Skull
17th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £19,500
A substantial gold signet ring composed of a lentoid-section hoop, expanding capital style shaped shoulders and irregular octagonal bezel engraved with a skull, two flowers below separating the reversed initials in capitals: 'CL', framed by a beaded border. 15.65 grams, 27.14 mm overall, 22.68 mm internal diameter (approximate size British X, USA 11 1/2, Europe 26.29, Japan 25)
Acquired in the 1980s. Property of a London gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11664-197587.
Signet rings were jewellery items serving practical functions, and were pressed into hot wax to seal letters and packets. Personal seals or secreta acted as a legal safeguard, since they were used to witness wills, loans, commercial, personal and other documents. Such rings were often engraved with a coat of arms, initials, merchant's mark or some other personal symbol. Painted portraits of this period portray the wearer with the signet ring on the thumb or forefinger, allowing for practical use. Skulls on rings were potent symbols of mortality. 'Memento mori' or 'remember that you must die' imagery served as a reminder to the Christian of the need to keep their soul in good order for the final judgment.
