Tudor Period Ring with Armorial Intaglio

A gold ring composed of a slender hoop expanding at the arms, oval-shaped cushion bezel set with a cut and polished carnelian gemstone, fluting to the reverse of the bezel, saltires and crescents to the hoop. 5.20 grams, 23.18 mm overall, 19.36 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)

Fine condition.

Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

A mixed group of mainly bronze watch keys, some with manufacturer's name. 75.4 grams total, 20-55 mm



Found Suffolk.

A carved marble figural panel depicting a religious scene, probably St. Francis of Assisi receiving the Holy Stigmata; a kneeling figure in loose-fitting cowl and habit with knotted cord to the waist, arms spread and head raised towards a chiaroscuro sunburst with a figure at the centre, wearing a loincloth and affixed to a plain cross, borne up by three pairs of wings attached to the shoulders and thighs; below, a second, smaller figure holding a book; all in a landscape with a tree at right behind the larger figure; mounted on a custom-made stand. 75 cm high including stand



English private collection.

The scene probably represents the events just prior to the end of the life of St. Francis of Assisi: while he was praying on a mountain with his companion, Brother Leo, he is said to have had a vision of a seraph (a six-winged angel on a cross) which gave him the gift of the stigmata, the five wounds of Christ. The apparition caused a deterioration in Francis's health and no cure could be found, so the saint spent the remaining days of his life dictating his spiritual message to Leo, who preserved the record of these events.