Tudor Bronze Purse Bar

Plaque with narrow border enclosing a figural scene with a colonnade and façade flanked by olive trees; central arch with two nimbate and robed figures clasping hands with a third figure behind them wearing a headdress; set in a gold frame with suspension loop; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 19.61 grams, 54 mm



Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the French art market.

The subject is the marriage ceremony between Mary, 'the Virgin', and Joseph.

Hollow-formed with pie-dish bezel and inset cameo. 3.17 grams, 21.26 mm overall, 17.72 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)



Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market.

The cameo is Italian and carved in the classical style of the 2nd century AD, although it dates to the 18th century. Her hair is tied back, and she is wearing a double-banded diadem. The agate displays a deep umber hue, with the bust depicted in light bluish white with highlights of light caramel. In the late 18th century, interest in the classical world became exponentially high, and demand became great for objects from or relating to the ancient world. The high-carat gold ring dates to the late 18th century; there is a small dent to the shoulder of the band.

Certificate of participation in the German expedition against China, dated 17th September 1901, issued to Karl Rennebaum and stamped by the 'Kaiserliche Marine'; in glazed wooden frame. 831 grams total, 38.5 x 31 cm



From the private collection of author and historian Dr DeWitt Bailey; thence by descent to his grandson.