Highlights from Mallams upcoming Oxford Library sale

Here is a selection of items coming up at the Mallams auction on February 7-8.

Roman head

A Roman marble portrait head of Emperor Commodus c. late 2nd century AD estimated at £25,000-35,000.

A Roman marble portrait head of Emperor Commodus c. late 2nd century AD. It has provenance to Enid Boulting (1928-2021), fashion model; former wife of film director Roy Boulting, (1913-2001) and later wife of the 9th Earl of Hardwicke. It has a partially fragmented, weathered surface and is estimated at £25,000-35,000.

Illuminated medieval manuscript

This illuminated Hours of the Virgin medieval manuscript is from France dating to the 15^th century and is estimated at £20,000-30,000.

This illuminated Hours of the Virgin medieval manuscript is from France dating to the 15^th century. It contains 241 vellum leaves but is misbound. It appears to be missing nine folios, around five of which would have had miniatures. The manuscript has provenance to the John. P. Love Collection and is estimated at £20,000-30,000.

The manuscript comes with later green binding with edges painted with floral pattern in red, green, and blue. It has a blind-stamped brown leather case (painted internally purple, green, and blue).

Escritoire 

An early 18th century walnut escritoire estimated at £800-1200.

An early 18th century walnut escritoire with quarter cut veneer, cross and feather banding. The fall front opens to provide a writing surface revealing pigeon holes and drawers all above three long drawers raised on bracket feet. It is estimated at £800-1200.

Bracket clock

A 19th century mahogany bracket clock with a white enamel Roman dial signed Robson, London and the back plate signed Robson, Cripplegate, London. It is with its original bracket and estimated at £2000-4000.

18^th century pocket watch