Post Medieval Gold Ring with Gemstone

A copper-alloy medallion: obverse depicting a Roman soldier standing on laurel leaves, dragging a barbarian, 'SVVS[ ] SAL S[ ]' legend around; reverse showing bearded male head in profile left, with detailing to hair and face. 264 grams, 96 mm wide



Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent.

A bifacial wooden cross comprising intertwined elements with trefoil finials, resting on a tall stem decorated with wavy lines enclosed within a geometric frame, the stem resting on a tabula with an inscription on the front and vegetal decorative element on the back, rhomboidal termination with inscribed cross on both sides; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 600 grams, 43 cm high (50.7 cm high including stand)



Acquired from Owen Hargreaves, 2003. UK private collection.

The Ethiopian manual cross is usually divided in three parts: the cross at the top; the handle; and a square element, the tablet, at the base. It is not easy to define the origin of the cross-borne tablets. There are three suppositions as to what they signify: according to one, the tablet represents the earth with its four corners. According to the second one, the tablet represents Adam's grave on Calvary. The third one is that it represents the Tabot, the highest relic of Ethiopia, the Ark of the Covenant. The cross belongs to the Kernebege (Horns of Ram) group, where the tips of the cross are reminiscent of ram's horns or trefoils. Inscriptions are only very rarely found on wooden, manual crosses like this maskal. They usually give the name of the owner or donor.

A carved shell facing bust of a bearded male with long hair, probably a German merchant. 3.04 grams, 23 mm



Acquired from Artermide Aste, auction 39E, lot 426. From the collection of G.M.R.H., London, UK.