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MEDIEVAL & EARLY CHRISTIAN ART

SOLD ITEMS
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A ROMANESQUE MASTERWORK 11353. AN EXCEPTIONAL ROMANESQUE LIMESTONE FIGURE OF CHRIST. France, Romanesque period, 11th-13th century. Free standing limestone figure of Christ with his right hand raised in blessing, holding an orb with the lamb of God in his left. Dimensions 3 x 2 x 11.5 inches. Very rare, especially this nice. All intact and original with no repair or restoration, the limestone with pleasing umber patina. Provenance: From a large French collection of Medieval Art. Originally acquired at auction in 1986 in Aix en Provence. The title of the sale was "From Gallo-Roman Art to Romanesque Art". $18,000.

7327. EARLY STAMP SEAL WITH CHRISTIAN DOVE, c. 4th-6th century AD. Hard fired clay with loop handle on reverse. 3 inches diameter. Provenance: The collection of a prominent Egyptologist by descent assembled in the early part of the 20th century and brought to the US in 1954 with the family. $450.

7328. RARE CRUSADER PERIOD STAMP SEAL, c. 11th-12th century AD. The stamp seal depicting a warrior wearing a helmet and chain mail. Hard fired clay with loop handle on reverse. 3 inches diameter. Edge break. Rare. Provenance: The collection of a prominent Egyptologist by descent assembled in the early part of the 20th century and brought to the US in 1954 with the family. $250.

7329. EARLY CHRISTIAN STAMP SEAL WITH A LION, c. 4th-6th century AD. Hard fired clay with loop handle on rv. 3 inches diameter. Provenance: The collection of a prominent Egyptologist by descent assembled in the early part of the 20th century and brought to the US in 1954 with the family. $250.

7332. EARLY CHRISTIAN STAMP SEAL WITH A CHIMERA, c. 4th-6th century AD. Hard fired clay with loop handle on rv. 2.75 inches diameter. Provenance: The collection of a prominent Egyptologist by descent assembled in the early part of the 20th century and brought to the US in 1954 with the family. $250.

8762. OSTROGOTH SILVER EARRING, c. 5th century AD. The large loop supporting a 14 faceted terminal. 3.5 cm. Repair to loop. Rare. $300.

IMPOSING BOLD PORTRAIT OF CHRIST 13060. EARLY CHRISTIAN ICON, Rome or Florence, c. 17th century. Finely painted with a bold style bust of Christ Pantocrator (the teacher) with right hand raised in blessing, his left hand holding the scriptures. 7 x 5 inches Back view. Full view. Provenance: The Paul Suttman collection. Acquired by Suttman in the 1960's when he lived in Italy as a fellow of the American Academy of Rome. Three time recipient of the prestigious Prix de Rome Paul Suttman (1933-1993) was an internationally known American sculptor who produced many impressionistic figurative works in bronze. Mr. Suttman's work is represented in the Museum of Modern Art, the Morgan Library, the University of Michigan Museum of Art, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington. More information on Suttman can be found at NY times obituary. Acquired by the current owner from the Suttman estate in the 1990's. $1200.

8165. RARE MEDIEVAL INSCRIBED PENDANT WITH CROSS. Italy, c. 8th-13th century. The bronze pendant inscribed BIPHV.VHPXIWI PL(L is backwards)IX-KIM around a central medallion on which is inscribed a radiate cross. 1.5 x 1.75 inches. Suspension loop broken otherwise excellent condition. Very rare with intriguing untranslated inscription. $850.

9767. DARK AGES GILT BRONZE INLAY. Possibly Frankish or Vandalic, ca. 5th-7th century. The rectangular inlay with a molded panther on a checkered background. Traces of gilding with more on back covered by light deposits. 20 x 25mm. Better than image. Rare. $300.

8162. RARE MEDIEVAL BRONZE CROSS. Italy, c. 12th-15th century. The cross with figure of Christ over five cruciform openings that once held inlay. 3.25 inches. Intact but small suspension loop. Extremely rare and nice - certainly much better if properly cleaned and restored with inlay. Provenance: The collection of a prominent Egyptologist by descent assembled in the early part of the 20th century and brought to the US in 1954 with the family. $450.

8033. MEDIEVAL GILT BRONZE CROSS, c. 14th-16th century. The cross of recessed form with attached figure of Jesus, areas of gilding visible through patina and probably much more gilding underneath, suspension loop at top. 3 inches. Rare. Provenance: The collection of a prominent Egyptologist by descent assembled in the early part of the 20th century and brought to the US in 1954 with the family. $650.

EXQUISITE LATE MEDIEVAL STYLE 13059. EARLY CHRISTIAN ALTARPIECE OF CHRIST ENTHRONED, Rome or Florence, c. 14th century. The center of a small wooden altar finely painted with Christ Pantocrator (the teacher) seated in a carved alcove with gold painted halo with right hand raised in blessing, his left hand holding the scriptures. With remains of wire loop hinges on the sides. 8 x 5.3 inches. Back view. Full view. Provenance: The Paul Suttman collection. Acquired by Suttman in the 1960's when he lived in Italy as a fellow of the American Academy of Rome. Three time recipient of the prestigious Prix de Rome Paul Suttman (1933-1993) was an internationally known American sculptor who produced many impressionistic figurative works in bronze. Mr. Suttman's work is represented in the Museum of Modern Art, the Morgan Library, the University of Michigan Museum of Art, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington. More information on Suttman can be found at NY times obituary. Acquired by the current owner from the Suttman estate in the 1990's. $3600.

11682. LARGE WEARABLE VIKING BRONZE RING. Denmark. c. 10th century AD. With finely detailed engraved designs and excellent emerald patina. Intact but for small chip to bezel. Bezel 33 x 30 mm. 25mm internal diameter (see our Ring Size converter in our Tools, Links section.) Side view. Provenance: A metal detectorist find in Denmark. $450.

13020. ROMANESQUE CHRIST AND VIRGIN, France, Romanesque period, 11th - 13th century. High relief limestone votive carving depicting Christ raising three fingers symbolizing the trinity of father, son and holy ghost, the virgin at his side with hand open in loving adoration. Dimensions, 5 x 4 x 1.5 inches. Free standing. In excellent original condition. A fine early medieval Christian sculpture. Provenance: A private American collection. $1450.

THE BEHEADING OF JOHN 8862. AN EARLY RUSSIAN ICON, 17th century. Hand painted scene depicting the beheading of John. 6" x 7". Tempera and gesso on wood panel with slot for anti-warp cleat now missing. An early example. Provenance: A private American collection. Purchased at Dawson's Auction House, Morris Plains, NJ c. 2004. $350.

7479. EARLY CHRISTIAN CARVED AND PAINTED WOODEN LID, c. 12th-14th century AD. The sliding lid with handle one end and beveled edges, carved with Christ or a Saint laid to rest in his tomb, a checkerboard pattern painted below. Likely the lid of a relic box. 3.25 x 10.5 inches. Provenance: The estate of a prominent Egyptologist active in the mid 20th century. Brought to the US in 1954. $650.

7330. EARLY CHRISTIAN STAMP SEAL WITH A GOAT, c. 4th-6th century AD. With loop handle on rv. 3.25 inches diameter. Provenance: The collection of a prominent Egyptologist by descent assembled in the early part of the 20th century and brought to the US in 1954 with the family. $195.

7331. EARLY CHRISTIAN STAMP SEAL WITH A CHIMERA, c. 4th-6th century AD. Hard fired clay with loop handle on rv. 3 inches diameter. Edge chip. Provenance: The collection of a prominent Egyptologist by descent assembled in the early part of the 20th century and brought to the US in 1954 with the family. $145.

8754. FINE GALLO-ROMAN SWASTICA BROOCH, ca. 4th-6th century. Each arm of the swastica ending in a horse head. 1.25 inches. Choice example with considerable remains of tinning or silvering. $450.

AN EXCEPTIONAL PAIR 11509. EXCEPTIONALLY LARGE MATCHING PAIR OF MEROVINGIAN FIBULAS. c. 5th-7th century AD. 18 cm length! Of very fine ornate workmanship in gilt bronze set with multiple garnets. Provenance: Good and legal provenance provided to buyer. From an old Scandinavian collection. Close up of one. Close up of the other. Price on request.

A MATCHING PAIR 11448. PAIR OF OSTROGOTH SILVER FIBULAS, c. 6th century AD. A matching pair of fine silver fibulae, the terminals in the form of animal heads. Iron pins rusted away as usual but in choice condition. Considerable traces of gilding remaining. Length 9.5 cm. Provenance: Purchased by the current owner from an established London antiquities dealer. Ex collection of P.J. Liege, Belgium since the seventies. Side views. Backs. $2450.

FROM AN OLD COLLECTION OF 8 VIKING SWORDS AND OTHERS 11647. VIKING STEEL SWORD OF THE 'ULFBERHT' TYPE. c. 11th century AD. Overall length 89.8cms, blade 75.1cms, grip 8cms, width of blade at hilt 5.5cms. Inscribed with the maker's name (cross)MEPERIT(cross). Exceptionally rare. Only a few examples are known, this one of the best with copper inlay on the pommel and guard. In the collection of an English gentleman since the 1960's. Good and legal provenance provided to buyer. Other side of hilt. Inscription. Full view with inscription. Viking steel swords of the ULFBERHT type were 1000 years ahead of their time in steel forging technology. These rare masterworks bear inscriptions giving the maker's name. Only recently have these swords been reverse engineered to uncover the secrets of how they were made. There was a recent NOVA special titled Secrets of the Viking Sword on this. Price on request.

FROM AN OLD COLLECTION OF 8 VIKING SWORDS AND OTHERS 11646. ANGLO SAXON IRON HELMET. c. 6th-8th century AD. With bronze nose guard. Exceptionally rare. Only a few examples are known. On custom stand. In the collection of an English gentleman since the 1960's. Good and legal provenance provided to buyer. Nose guard. Side view. Price on request.

8081. EARLY GERMAN WOOD CARVED PANEL, c. 17th-18th century. The sizable panel, once likely part of an altar piece, depicts two scenes of men with lions, at top a hermit dressed in skins and carrying a club encounters a lion, perhaps a version of the wildman of Brunswick and other German states seen on coins of the period, and below Sampson killing the lion. 17.5 x 57.5 inches. A couple of early wood plugs in back and some minor worm damage also mostly to rear but in generally excellent condition. Wire & screw-eye hanger currently in back. Interesting and impressive early German woodcarving. Wood is somewhat darker than photo. View of the back showing patches, wormholes and aging. SOLD.

THE MOTHER OF GOD 8857. AN EARLY RUSSIAN ICON, ca. 18th-19th century. With hand painted scene depicting the Mother of God surrounded by Angels and worshipers. 10.5" x 12.5". Tempera and gesso on wood panel with two slots for anti-warp cleats now missing. The colors are considerably richer than the photo which has some reflected light. SOLD.

THE DESCENT INTO HELL 8858. AN EARLY RUSSIAN ICON, ca. 18th century. Hand painted scene depicting the descent into Hell. 10.5" x 12". Tempera and gesso on wood panel with two anti-warp cleats and carved Cyrillic inscription in back. SOLD.

8859. AN EARLY RUSSIAN ICON, ca. 18th century. Hand painted scene depicting five saints before the image of the virgin. 10.5" x 12.5". Tempera and gesso on wood panel with two anti-warp cleats in back. SOLD.

7325. EARLY CHRISTIAN STAMP SEAL WITH A FISH, c. 4th-6th century AD. Hard fired clay with remains of handle on rv. 3.25 inches diameter. Provenance: The collection of a prominent Egyptologist by descent assembled in the early part of the 20th century and brought to the US in 1954 with the family. SOLD.

7326. EARLY CHRISTIAN STAMP SEAL WITH A PALM TREE, c. 4th-6th century AD. Hard fired clay with loop handle on rv. 3 inches diameter. Provenance: The collection of a prominent Egyptologist by descent assembled in the early part of the 20th century and brought to the US in 1954 with the family. SOLD.

7477. AN EARLY CHRISTIAN PAINTING OF A SAINT. Coptic or Byzantine, c. 4th-8th century AD. The wood panel brightly polychromed with the figure of a young man with a lion emblazoned on his tunic. 2.5 x 9 inches. Very rare early Christian art. SOLD.

7478. GROUP OF MEDIEVAL FRAGMENTS OF A PAINTING ON WOOD, c. 12th-16th century AD. The fragments, probably from the doors of a cabinet or reliquary, painted both sides with scenes of saints on horse back, figures with blue loinclothes pouring water from golden jars, panthers, etc. 5 fragments, at least two of which match up, all with wonderful Medieval artwork. Very rare. SOLD.

7347. EARLY CHRISTIAN OIL LAMP, c. 4th-6th century AD. Slipper shaped redware lamp with sharply defined cross. 4.3 inches. Few minor checks but excellent condition. Rare. SOLD.

8156. AN EARLY CHRISTIAN OIL LAMP, c. 4th-5th century AD. The red glazed lamp with a Chi Rho (one of the earliest Christian symbols, being the a monogram of the first and last letters of Christís name in Greek) on the discus. 5.75 inches. Intact. Rare early Christian artifact. SOLD.

7348. EARLY CHRISTIAN OIL LAMP, c. 4th-6th century AD. Broad slipper form redware lamp with distinct cross. 4 inches. Minor check to bottom but excellent condition. Rare. SOLD.

7349. RARE EARLY CHRISTIAN TRANSITIONAL STYLE OIL LAMP, c. 3rd-4th century AD. Roman form lamp with large transitional Christian symbol of Chi Rho transforming into the Christian cross. 3.25 inches. Spout broken. Very rare important transitional form. SOLD.

6914. Frankish beaker, IV-first 1/4 of V c. AD, 13 blue drops and several wheel-cut grooves, intact, 2.6" x 2.8". SOLD.

6915. Frankish beaker, IV-first 1/4 of V c. AD, blue drops of glass grouped by 1, 2 or 3, intact, 3.1" x 3". SOLD.

8750. SUPERB ROMANO-BRITISH BOARS HEAD FIBULA, c. early 5th century AD. The finely worked silver fibula terminating in a boar's head with tusks and ridged mane above the head plate, the body decorated with bands of raised silver filigreed 'X's the length of both sides, the three knobs of the head plate and the tail set with garnets, the boar's eyes also set with garnets, the owner's name preceded by a Christian cross inscribed on the catch plate. According to Dr. Richard Hobbs, curator of Romano-British Collections at the British Museum, the inscription reads (cross)ANDIAT most likely making the owner Andiatus a name also attested from an altar at Carvoran. Remains of parcel gilding on the head plate and body. 3.2 inches. Silver pin possibly restored. Ex. Joseph Ternbach collection. A museum quality example of ancient art. Cf. 'Jewelry 7000 Years', ed. Hugh Tait, #354 for a similar but lesser example from the British Museum, PRB 1954.12-6.1 found near Sussex. Inscription view. Left side. SOLD.

7098. AN OSTROGOTH GOLD AND CARNELIAN NECKLACE, ca. 6th century AD. Truncated triangles of gold ribbed tubes spaced by carnelian and additional round gold beads. 19.75" Exceptional condition. Cf. 'Materials in Archaeology, History & Ethnography of Tauria', Vol 4, p. 77, illus. 61. Vol 6, p. 472, illus. 4. Also I.S. Pioro, 'The Crimean Goths', p. 29. SOLD.

8157. A MEDIEVAL SILVER RING WITH CROSS, c. 500-1000 AD. The sheet silver ring with an engraved cross on the bezel and decorative engravings at the shoulders. 17 mm internal diameter. A fine Medieval Dark Ages Christian ring. Choice wearable condition. SOLD.

6927. Migration period gold ring with glass cabochon, last 1/4 of IV-beginning of V c AD, 22 X 26 mm. SOLD.

6928. Ostrogoth silver buckle, first half of VII c AD, repousse image of a lion, 12.3 x 7 cm. SOLD.

6929. Germanic silver fibula, V c AD, in form of a horsefly, 6.2 cm, wings mended. SOLD.

6930. Germanic gold ring, V c AD, w garnet cabochon, solid gold hoop, 24 mm, significant wear, separation on back of shield. SOLD.

6933. Frankish or Hunnic silver and gold buckle, first half of V c AD, garnet cloisonne, L 3.3 cm. SOLD.

8182. A PAIR OF EARLY SLAVIC GOLD EARRINGS, ca. 7th-10th century. White gold finely ornamented with minute detail. 1.5". Rare. Nice condition and wearable. SOLD.

12873. MATCHING PAIR OF ANCIENT GOLD RINGS. Set with Lapis, Agate, Turquoise & Rock Crystal. Medieval European or possibly early Islamic, c. 800-1200 AD. Measure: 16mm inner diameter. Wearable with care. Weight: 6.93 grams. Provenance: Ex London UK private collection, purchased in 1993 from an antiquities dealer in London.. Another view. SOLD.

9769. WELL PRESERVED MEDIEVAL CHILD'S SHOE, found in the river Mosel near Trier. Because of the style the shoe might be attributed to the 15th century, but the find place also produced Frankish artifacts so an earlier attribution is just as possible. 16 cm, intact. An excessively rare complete medieval shoe in a wonderful state of preservation. SOLD.

6423. Medieval bronze enameled pendant, VIII-IX c AD, 1.8". SOLD.

8164. MEDIEVAL EUROPEAN NECKLACE. Italy, c. 8th-14th century AD. Mix of glass, terra cotta, rock crystal and glazed beads. 13 inches. SOLD.

8034. AN EARLY ITALIAN LEAD SEAL, c. 18th-19th century. Stamped both sides with an eagle, one double headed, with spread wings with crowns above, legend around. Both sides different. 0.8 inches. Attribution appreciated. VF condition with all devices clear. SOLD.

9770. AN EARLY CHRISTIAN OIL LAMP, Roman North Africa, c. 4th-6th century. The red ware lamp with a krater and other motifs on the discus. 4.5". SOLD.

7350. EARLY CHRISTIAN RED WARE OIL LAMP WITH TINY CRYPTIC CROSS, c. 4th-6th century AD. North African ware with a running antelope on the discus. This lamp also has a tiny stamp below the antelope with a tiny cross inside it which is likely an early Christian cryptic symbol to show the owner was a Christian without attracting too much attention. 3.5 x 5 inches. Large example with maker's signature on bottom. SOLD.

8329. A FINE AVAR BRONZE BOSS, c. 17th-18th century. With the head of a bridled horse. 2.1". SOLD.

7351. EARLY CHRISTIAN RED WARE OIL LAMP, c. 4th-6th century AD. North African ware with a running leopard on the discus. 4.5 inches. Chip to handle.

SOLD.

7439. MEDIEVAL TERRA COTTA CROSS WITH SEAL IMPRESSION. South European, c. 14th-16th century. Hard fired clay cross stamped with impression of Madonna & child. 1.25 x 2.25 inches. Wearable with care and in excellent condition.

SOLD.

7262. MEDIEVAL BRONZE CROSS, Italy, c. 14th-17th century. 1.25 inches. Scarce.

SOLD.

7263. MEDIEVAL BRONZE CROSS, Italy, c. 14th-17th century. 1.5 inches. Scarce.

SOLD.

7269. MEDIEVAL RELIGIOUS FRAGMENT, c. 12th-16th century. INRI visible, break at bottom.

SOLD.

8160. LATE RENAISSANCE TERRA COTTA HEAD OF MICHELANGELO'S DAVID, c. 16th-17th century. The head modeled after that of the famous statue. 0.8 x 1.4 inches. Larger images here.

SOLD.

8168. DARK AGES BRONZE PIN, c. 5th-7th century. The inscribed pin in the form of a sword or dagger. 1.5 inches. Intact.

SOLD.

8169. 7 ANTIQUE AND ANCIENT BRONZE ARTIFACTS, ancient to 19th century. Couple of pendants, early weight, ornate cross, etc. To 2 inches.

SOLD.

6405. Medieval mirror, VIII-IX cc, silver/bronze alloy, 3.7".

SOLD.

6406. Migration period bronze pendant, IV-V c, 1.7".

SOLD.

6407. Medieval silver bracelet, V-VII cc, 2.4".

SOLD.

6408. Bronze Ostrogoth fibula, V-VI cc, horsefly, 53 mm, missing pin.

SOLD.

6409. Frankish beaker, IV-first 1/4 of V, six blue drops, mended, 2.5" x 2.7".

SOLD.

6410. Ostrogothic vase, 3 handles, first 1/2 of IV c, 12.5" x 5.5".

SOLD.

6412. Medieval bronze pendant, IV-VII cc AD, loop is lost,15 x 27 mm.

SOLD.

6413. Medieval bronze pendant, IV-VII cc AD, 19 x 20 mm.

SOLD.

6414. Medieval bronze pendant, IV-VII cc AD,19 x 26 mm.

SOLD.

6415. Medieval bronze pendant, IV-VII cc AD, 28 x 26 mm, loop is lost.

SOLD.

6416. Medieval bronze pendant, IV-VII cc AD,30 x 25 mm.

SOLD.

6417. Medieval bronze pendant, IV-VII cc AD,24 x 15 mm.

SOLD.

6418. Medieval iron axe, VIII-IX cc AD, 7.1".

SOLD.

6419. Medieval fibula, VIII c AD, 5.1".

SOLD.

6424. Goth silver fibula, IV c., 2".

SOLD.

6425. Two Viking bronze buckles, XI-XII, up to 1.7".

SOLD.

6426. Medieval bronze cosmetic implements, VIII-IX c. 2.1".

SOLD.

6427. Silver western Slavic ornaments, X-XII c, 15.5".

SOLD.

6428. Pair of Kievan Rus silver earrings, XI c, 22 mm.

SOLD.

6429. Pair of Kievan Rus silver earrings, XI c, 22 mm.

SOLD.

6430. Pair of Kievan Rus silver earrings, XI c, 21 mm.

SOLD.

6903. AN EARLY MEDIEVAL BUCKLE WITH ANIMALS, ca. 4th-6th century AD. The buckle with an ostrich like bird facing what appears to be a small animal standing on the back of another. 1.6 inches. Excellent condition.

SOLD.

6913. Germanic black-burnished jar, III-IV c, H=11,8", cracked, but intact.

SOLD.

6916. Gaulish glass flask, end of V- beg. VI c. AD, intact, H 6.2".

SOLD.

6917. Glass cup, Rhineland, IV c. AD, double row of wheel-cut joined pentagons, mended, some pieces missing, D 3.7", H 3.9".

SOLD.

6918. Glass bowl, Rhineland, second half of II-early III c. AD, several wheel-cut bands, intact with small top piece missing, D 3.9", H 2.3".

SOLD.

6926. Danubian Silver fibula, IV c.AD, 4.8 cm.

SOLD.

6931. Migration period gold and silver mount, rope wires, granulation, flat glass, last 1/4 of IV-beginning of V c AD, 24 X 29 mm.

SOLD.

6932. Migration period silver mount, granulation, glass cabochon, last 1/4 of IV-beginning of V c AD, 20 x 25 mm.

SOLD.

6934. Pair of Germanic silver bracelets, sec. half of VI c AD, 6.3 x 7 cm.

SOLD.

6935. Pair of Germanic silver bracelets, sec. half of VI c AD, 5.5 x 5.1 cm.

SOLD.

6936. 3 Germanic silver bracelets, sec. half of V c AD to VII c.AD, up to 4.5 x 4 c.

SOLD.

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