Silver Bosun's Whistle and Chain

The hoop carinated, kidney-shaped cabochon held in a claw setting with engraved scalloped border. 8.65 grams, 27.52 mm overall, 16.86 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

One side with the Crucifixion scene, Virgin Mary and Saint John weeping at the foot of the cross, the soldier Longinus piercing the side of Jesus; the other side with a diptych painted on paper representing a crowned Saint George (Bet Gorgis) and his servant Seqrates dressed like a priest, watching the miracle of the transformation of water into wine; lines of Ge'ez text in black ink on the reverse; wooden frame with closure on both sides, surmounted by a small cross. 455 grams, 25.7 cm

The timber shows some old insect flight holes and we are advised that this piece has been recently treated with Permthrin, as a precaution.

Ex Cy Lester, an antiquarian bookseller, London, UK, circa 1990. Ex central London gallery.

Among the imagery of Ethiopian equestrian saints, three main representational categories can be distinguished: 1) simple portrait of the saint armed with spear or lance and holding the reins of a horse; 2) the saint spearing an enemy; 3) the saint according to one of the aforementioned types placed in a narrative scene.

The cameos displaying: a facing female bust with facetted reverse; veiled female bust in profile left; a female bust with hair tied in a top knot; the intaglios displaying: a bust in profile right; lapis lazuli example with gryphon standing left; a figural scene; the two 'black' stones possibly ancient. 7.34 grams total, 12-18 mm



Acquired at country house sales in the 1970s-1980s. Property of a Twickenham, UK, gentleman.