Post Medieval Gemstone with Herakles

A group of cast arrowheads, including tanged and socketted types. 427 grams total, 60-165 mm



From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent.

Cross botonny with suspension loop, ring-and-dot to centre of obverse. 18.3 grams, 50 mm



From an old Lincoln, UK, collection, 1950s-1970s. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.

The pectoral cross, also called the neck cross, is much smaller in the Orthodox Ethiopian world (and in general in all Orthodox world) than both the processional and the priests' cross. These crosses, secured by a blue string or cord, adorn the necks of the faithful. Many people receive their pectoral cross at baptism. They are made from a range of materials: bronze, silver, iron, horn, and occasionally gold. The richness of ornaments and the complex structure of Ethiopian crosses give a picture of an extraordinary culture, that of one of the world’s oldest Christian societies. The ornaments and forms of the crosses of Ethiopia are unique and instantly recognisable.

With slender hoop and granule cluster at junction with the bezel, rectangular cell with inset glass intaglio profile bust of helmetted Minerva; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.45 grams, 23.48 mm overall, 20.69 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)



From a private Tyneside collection, formed since the early 2000s.