Post Medieval Gold 'More Assured then Professed' Posy Ring

A wooden painted icon of Saint Eleutherios with a repoussé silver oklad that covers all but the face, embossed in rich priestly robes, representing the priest's omophorion decorated with crosses, over an embroidered robe or sticharion, the nimbus gilded and embossed with foliage and rays over a silver background, Greek inscription 'O AΓΙΟΣ ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΟΣ' (Saint Eleutherios) to the sides. 1.9 kg, 37.5 x 28.7 cm



Property of a London lady, part of her family's collection.

As bishop in Illyricum, Eleutherios promoted the cause of at a time when the persecutions not only made it difficult to win and hold converts, but also at a time when the gravest danger was in being a high-ranking prelate of the Church. Oblivious to this threat, he was acclaimed in the inner circle of Christianity as the brightest luminary of Christian Rome since the apostles. His immense popularity grew and thereby became more dangerous to the state. He was finally brought to the attention of Emperor Hadrian, who ordered his arrest, and then cast into prison, tortured, and put to death on December 15th.

A copper-alloy ring composed of a slender hoop supporting an octagonal bezel, set with a blue glass intaglio displaying an enigmatic, possibly pseudo-armorial design. 2.72 grams, 21.50 mm overall, 19.47 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)



Acquired 1990s. English private collection. Property of an Essex gentleman.

A free-standing Grand Tour statuette of the goddess Demeter, carved from brilliant blue lapis lazuli; modelled in the round standing on an integral polygonal base, wearing a floor-length peplos and mantle, holding a cornucopia. 14.4 grams, 55 mm

Fine condition, right arm lost in antiquity.

Private UK collection. Property of a Cambridgeshire gentleman.