Loading, please wait...
LOT 2043
Polished Imperial Porphyry Specimen from the Grand Tour
LATE 19TH-EARLY 20TH CENTURY A.D.
8 5/8 in. (3.12 kg, 21.9 cm).
Irregular piriform block with polished surface, one flat face.
ProvenanceEx Robert Evans collection, circa 2000.
From the private collection of a Somerset gentleman.
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 2043
Polished Imperial Porphyry Specimen from the Grand Tour
Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
-
Silver-Coloured Metal Ring with Calligraphic Gem
Late 20th-21st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
With broad hoop and vertical ribbing to the shoulders, plaque with inset cloison, nastaliq calligraphic text on a field of flowers and tendrils. 20.19 grams, 28.17 mm overall, 20.55 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U, USA 10, Europe 22.52, Japan 21)
Private collection, UK. -
Gold Tie Pin with EEN
England, circa 1860 A.D.Estimate: £350 - 450 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £175
Formed from a round-section shaft twisted to the centre, an oval bezel with a wide rim and ornate letters 'EEN' under plano-convex crystal in profile; maker's mark 'JB' to the underside, for John Brogden. 7.04 grams, 96 mm
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market. -
Italian Bronze Hand-Shaped Desk Seal
17th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Formed as a left hand with flange rim to the cuff and wrist, ring to the third finger; stud to the reverse with geralfic seal, heater shield with helmet and lambrequin, underside with stud and profile bust. 453 grams, 13.5 cm
Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, England. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13087-249670.
In the 17th century, Italian noble seals were crucial heraldic instruments, depicting family crests, often surmounted by crowns (counts, marquises, princes) or helmets, and enriched with family specific symbols (e.g., vines for the Panevinos), portraits on horseback, or elements linked to ecclesiastical offices (papal keys) to authenticate documents, reflecting the prestige and authority of noble houses and civic patricians.
