Signet ring of the Despot Manuel
Solid parcel-gilt and nielloed silver with a substantial D-section hoop and a circular bezel on a waisted stem. The bezel face is chased with a double-headed eagle surrounded by the legend ‘ΔΕΣΠΟΤ[ΟΥ] ΜΑΝΟΥΗΛ’ (of, or belonging to, the Despot Manuel) carved in mirror image as a seal.
Origin
Epirus work, Northern Greece
Date
2nd half 14th century
Height: 3.2 cm
Diameter: 1.71 cm (internal)
Weight: 62 g
Size / Dimensions
Approx. ring size: British N; USA 6 ½; Europe 13.72; Japan 13
Provenance
From an old European collection; acquired in Munich in the 1970s.
TimeLine Auctions, 23/05/2017, lot 295
Acquired there by AXIA