Post Medieval Roman Style Bronze Dedicatory Plaque

Each oval in plan and slightly convex on the outer face, the larger one with a central sexfoil with tendrils either side and a lis below, the smaller one with petals and scrolls. 18.3 grams total, 21-32 mm



Found Hallow, Malvern Hills, Worcestershire, UK. Accompanied by copies of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report nos.WAW-D1633D and WAW-D14AE3. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

In late 15th century style, showing praying nimbate Mary at the centre, dressed in a blue cloak and a long white cassock, Mary Magdalene at her side with her head raised towards the sky; eleven Apostles surrounding the women, dressed in long tunics and cloaks, receiving the Holy Spirit in the form of small tongues resting on their heads; architectural background and Flemish inscription ‘DE ZENDING VAN DE HEILIGE GEEST’ (The Descent of the Holy Spirit) below; some restoration. 4.5 kg, 65 x 53.5 cm

Some restoration.

From a war-damaged church in Belgium. Ex property of a late Northumberland collector. From a private collection, Derbyshire, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The scene represents the Christian feast of the Pentecost, described in Acts, 2,1-4, when the eleven Apostles, gathered in Jerusalem together with Mary Mother of God and Mary of Magdala (the latter only according to some traditions) received the Holy Spirit as a mighty rushing wind and under the form of tongues of fire. According to the Christian tradition, this event represents the fulfilment of the promise that Christ will baptise his followers with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Sheet bronze buckle plate with lateral integral hook; stamped design including a circular band enclosing a maritime scene with two sailing ships; band with legend 'Laying the Atlantic Cable'; collector's handwritten ticket. 7.15 grams, 56 mm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Berkshire, UK, gentleman collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Laying a telegraphic cable beneath the Atlantic Ocean was among the 19th century's most remarkable technological achievements since it allowed messages to pass between North America and Europe in a matter of minutes, rather than the two weeks by steamship. A first attempt in 1858 was unsuccessful but two working cables were finally laid in July and September 1866 by a team of engineers, technicians and sailors, with two groups of financial backers involved and relying on help from the British and United States navies. HMS Agamemnon was deployed on this mission alongside USS Niagara. The occasion caused a great stir at the time and was commemorated in numerous works of art.