Loading, please wait...
LOT 1447
Silver Enamelled Letter Opener with Agate Blade
19TH-20TH CENTURY A.D.
6 1/8 in. (19.5 grams, 15.5 cm).
A letter opener comprising a blue enamelled handle with reserved scrolled tendril detailing and white enamelled pellets, waisted baluster, lentoid-section nanded agate blade.
ProvenanceEnglish private collection.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Victorian Gold Ring with Portrait Gemstone
19th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
A gold finger ring with pie-dish bezel and pellets to the rim, inset sardonyx with intaglio female bust. 5.75 grams, 26.60 mm overall, 17.78 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)
English private collection. -
Baroque Gold, Ruby and Enamel Ring
Circa 1620-1640 A.D.Estimate: £20,000 - 30,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £6,667
A gold ring composed of a slender hoop, expanding shoulders decorated with white enamelled foliage and black enamelled pea-pod ornament, repeated around the bezel, bezel with box setting holding a table-cut ruby, white and black enamelled floral design to the underside; minor loss of enamel; likely from France; accompanied by a 'Les Enluminures' hinged presentation box. 4.57 grams, 23.32 mm overall, 18.77 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)
Acquired from Les Enluminures Ltd, Illinois, USA, 2016. Property of an East Sussex collector. Accompanied by a Les Enluminures certificate of authenticity. Accompanied by a copy of the Les Enluminures invoice. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11671-197579.
Over the centuries, the ruby became a symbol of the amorous heart and a popular gemstone for betrothal or wedding rings in Western Europe. This gemstone was believed to symbolise the virtues of marriage and convey the desire for eternal matrimonial love. The ruby-red colour was often enhanced by setting the stone on top of a foil. The stones themselves were imported from as far afield as Thailand, Burma and Sri Lanka. Old inventories record them as 'balas rubies', which were sourced to decorate royal crowns. In the 17th century, the red colour was set-off by the pastel shades of satin which were fashionable in dress at the court of King Louis VIII, where the art of enamelling was also practiced. -
Post Medieval Bronze 'LOVE' Posy Ring
18th-19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
A slender bronze posy ring inscribed 'LOVE' to the interior and other worn inscription; hoop split. 0.99 grams, 19.90 mm overall, 17.52 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)
Acquired circa 2010. From an old Essex, UK, collection.
