Norman 'Thames' Bronze Griffin Dagger Chape Fragment

Triangular clasp panel formed as a cluster of granulated grapes, pierced at the upper corners for attachment. 1.12 grams, 21 mm



Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s.

The outer band with incuse legend '+ AQUILA IOhANNIS' (Eagle of [Saint] John]), suspension loop above with a leaf terminal to the reverse; set with a 2nd century A.D. Roman carnelian intaglio with a military eagle standing with spread wings, a laurel crown held in its beak, the claws gripping the base, two military standards at its sides; both shafts decorated with alternating phalerae, and lunulae. 3.74 grams, 21 mm



From the Smith family collection, formed in the late 1940s-1980s. 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 a search certificate number no. 12045-217155.

Often the military intaglio gemstones of the ancient Rome were carved with an eagle between two standards. These intaglios could have been inserted in rings that belonged to an officer with the rank of Aquilifer (bearer of the legionary eagle). From the 4th century A.D., the vision of Ezekiel and John's Apocalypse, assigned the lion, the angel, the eagle, and the ox a place in the iconography of the Tetramorph to represent the four evangelists.

Comprising: a large square type with bevelled edges, low-relief compass motif; smaller square with knotwork motif. 338 grams total, 23-52 mm



Ex Simmons gallery, 1990s. From a North London, UK, collection.