Roman Bronze Equestrian Military Decoration and Belt End Group

D-section hoop, elliptical in plan, with raised oval bezel set with a jasper intaglio engraved with inverted Greek inscription 'IXΘYC' (ichthys, meaning 'fish"), a Greek acronym for 'Jesus Christ, Son of God; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 9.18 grams, 21.91 mm overall, 18.68 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)



Private collector, acquired in the early 1990s. Private collection, England.

The term ichthys is the equivalent of the ancient Greek: ixθus, ichthýs ('fish'), used by early Christians to refer to Jesus Christ. For this reason, the fish symbol was very common in the catacombs of Rome. In particular, the ichthys is one of the oldest Christian symbols that has come down to us. Used covertly by Christians to mask their faith from Roman persecutors, when a Christian encountered a stranger whose loyalty he needed to know, he would draw one of the arches that make up the ichthys in the sand. If the stranger completed the sign, the two individuals recognised each other as followers of Christ. The symbol was also drawn on the doors of the houses of Christian families. Its use spread in the 3rd century to personal effects such as the ring offered here.

Ellipsoid cameo with profile portrait bust in antique gold pendant frame with surrounding cabochons: emerald, sapphire, ruby - and clusters of pearls; marked to reverse '750', in a rectangle 'Bd G' (believed to be an upstate New York jeweller's stamp) and an indeterminate third mark; supplied with a custom-made display stand. 99 grams total, pendant: 50 mm



American collection, early 20th century, New York. with Robert Haber Gallery, New York, 1990. Ex Jean Clostre, Geneva, Switzerland. Accompanied by a scholarly report by Dr Ittai Gradel. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12223-222312.

Dr Ittai Gradel says: 'The cameo, of exquisite technical quality, has a close parallel in the Cabinet des médailles, Paris .. The TimeLine auction cameo is not, however, an exact copy .. though details are so close to the larger Paris cameo that the same gem carver, or at least workshop, probably produced both.'

Tabular in form with 1 and 6 impressed points on the broad faces; other numbers to the narrow edges. 9.82 grams, 12 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.