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LOT 2024
Post-Classical Stone Gemstone Collection
20TH CENTURY A.D.
5/8 - 7/8 in. (13.2 grams total, 15-21 mm).
Including rectangular and ellipsoidtypes with incuse profile bust and other motifs. [5, No Reserve]
ProvenancePrivate collection, England.
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 Silver Ring with 'Amuletic' Toad Stone
Western Europe, 16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,720
Round-section hoop supporting a discoid bezel, claw setting with inset 'toadstone' amulet. 4.53 grams, 29.85 mm overall, 20.51 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the French art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13074-248390.
William Shakespeare’s As You Like It, circa. 1599; ‘Sweet are the uses of adversity, Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, Wears a precious jewel in his head yet’. Toadstones are mythical stones that were thought to be found inside the head of a toad. They were believed to sweat, change colour or even heat up in the presence of poison. It was thought that a toadstone placed on bites from snakes, insects, spiders and shrews would extract poison from the wound. They were thought to bring good luck and ward off evil, whether in the present life or in the afterlife. The Book of Secrets from the 13th century recommends swallowing the stone to 'cleanse the bowels of filth and excrements'. The stone could then be retrieved and used again. They were often set as amulets and talismans, a practice that continued in Europe until the 18th century. Toadstones are actually the button-like fossilised teeth of Lepidotes, an extinct genus of fish common in the Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods, 200 to 100 million years ago. -
Post Medieval Bronze Medallion of Maria Magdalena of Austria
France, 17th century A.D.Estimate: £120 - 170 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £60
A heavy medallion bearing the profile bust of Maria Magdalena of Austria (1587-1629), cast from a medal by Guillaume Dupré, circa. 1613; pierced twice through the edge for mounting. 93 grams, 76 mm
Private collection, UK.
Maria Magdalena of Austria (1587-1629) was the Archduchess of Austria, Grand Duchess of Tuscany and wife of Cosimo II de’ Medici (1589-1636). -
Published Iron 'Peerman' Splint Holder
Austria, 18th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
The sprung nip on a tall stem wrought with three S-scrolls for holding spare splints, on a tripod base. 1.7 kg, 68.7 cm
Ex Nic McElhatton, former chairman of Christie's South Kensington. Property of a Berkshire, UK, collector. Accompanied by a copy of McElhatton's cataloguing page. Accompanied by copies of the relevant book pages where published.
