SALE AT CHRISTIE'S.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 200, 23 August 1940, Page 9

SALE AT CHRISTIE'S.

ROMAN RING SAVED.

Much of the jewellery given for disposal at Christie's Red Cross sale in London in June was of historic value and one supposed "trinket" saved from consignment to the bullion chest for melting down aroused the special interest of Queen Mary, who made an official visit to the sale. The "trinket" was discovered by Mr. Mosheh Oved, an expert in ancient jewellery, who recognised it ae a Roman "strength-giving" ring in perfect condition. It was sent in a parcel from Mrs. H. M. Crowe, of Weston-super-Mare, who was completely unaware of its value. "My mother was given the ring and an old seal in payment of a debt over 30 years ago," she said in an interview, "and the ring has been lying in a drawer for years. She once sent it with the eeal to Christie's. The seal was sold, but no buyer was found for the ring:" Mr. Oved said: "The ring is of very massive gold, weighing about foz, with projecting shoulders —a fine onyx intaglio of the young Hercules. Although there are no standard values for such things, it should realise a large sum." . A strong guard of Scotland Yard de- | tectives was maintained day and night ! while the show was open. The Lord Mayor's Red Cross and St. John Fund for the Sick and Wounded in the war was increased by £1000 as a result of the sale, and at the end of June stood at £1,358,000.