Post Medieval Iron Axehead

Comprising a D-section hoop expanding towards the open-backed setting set with a large brown agate intaglio modelled as two conjoined standing owls, the one at the front facing, and the other looking to the right, intricate feather and facial details, the cameo with a loss on the right-hand side, with the ring incorporating a fine gold repair. 12.74 grams, 24.90 mm overall, 17.00 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)



Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13318-257961.

Even in the Italian Renaissance, the owl, an ancient symbol of the goddess Athena, symbolised wisdom. The owl was also a symbol of the night and death, as is so eloquently illustrated in the 17th-century painting Vanité à la chouette in the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon, which depicts an owl sitting on a human skull next to an extinguished candle.

Composed of polygonal, discoid, irregular and other beads, restrung with a hook-and-loop clasp. 55.1 grams, 55 cm



Acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. Ex London, UK, collection.

Resin casting of a figural panel depicting a group of three men manoeuvring a model horse on wheels towards a city gate blocked by a female with arms raised to the heavens; stepped lower edge forming the base; suspension bracket to reverse. 1.37 kg, 22 cm wide



From the collection of David Donlan (1947-2025), a dedicated and lifelong collector with a passion for the ancient world and the natural sciences, forming his collection from 1960s onwards, using many reputable dealers across the United Kingdom, including the well-regarded Coincraft and The Parthenon Gallery.