Post Medieval Ring with Bow and Arrow

A copper-alloy ring composed of a slightly convex hoop, expanding shoulders and shield-shaped bezel, the shoulders and bezel engraved with flowering plants. 3.50 grams, 24.25 mm overall, 22.11 mm internal diameter (approximate size British W 1/2, USA 11 1/4, Europe 25.66, Japan 24)



Private collection formed since the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman.

A bronze aquamanile portraying a mounted rider, both horse and rider modelled in the round with semi-naturalistic anatomical and facial features; the horse standing facing forwards, ears pinned back and with short tail; the male figure positioned with one hand on the reins, the other raised to eye level, wearing period costume and boots; rectangular vessel mouth behind horse's forelock with remains of hinge for a lid (absent), conical pouring spout to its lower chest; some splits; modelled on c.15th century German examples. 5.6 kg, 30.5 cm high



Acquired from St Marys Convent, Peekshill, New York. From Emily Gagnon, Dallas, USA. UK private collection, 2002. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11686-197726

The practical function of the aquamanile was to pour clean water over the hands before dining, and in religious contexts to symbolically purify the body before undertaking communion. The origins of the form are often traced to the area of Iran, and it reached Western Europe through contacts with the Byzantine Empire.

A mixed group of silver artefacts comprising; coins bent into 'love tokens'; worn coins; a plain finger ring; two crotal bell fragments; bulbous button fragment; button with geometric floral motif; fragment of a thimble. 28.7 grams total, 8-25 mm



Found Wiltshire, UK.