210 - Byzantine Gold Ring with IHS Monogram. The Kal Noselson Byzantine Collection (Lots 197-221 & 1396-1447)

Byzantine Gold Ring with IHS Monogram. The Kal Noselson Byzantine Collection (Lots 197-221 & 1396-1447) Circa 11th-12th century A.D. With stepped shoulders ornamented with foliate detailing, discoid bezel with concentric rings and 'IHS' legend. Cf. Boardman, J. & Scarisbrick, D., The Ralph Harari Collection of Finger Rings, London, 1977, item 112, for type. 6.56 grams, 22.65 mm overall, 19.46 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20) (7/8 in.). [A video of this lot is available to view on TimeLine Auctions Website] (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.) Private collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13417-259787. The ring bears the inscription IHS, a monogram representing the Holy Name of Jesus. This monogram derives from the combination of the three letters I (iota), H (eta), and S (sigma) the first three letters of the Greek name for Jesus, ??????. The inscription was likely added by a Latin between the 11th and 12th centuries to a ring forged in Byzantium, or the ring itself may be considered a product of the Latins of the East, the Crusaders of Outremer. TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous 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. See our website for more information.