COLLECTION OF FIVE PENDANTS, CASTELLANI, CIRCA 1880

Each small bell of squared form engraved on all four sides with Etruscan characters translating to 'I am submitted to the eyes', height including pendant bale 25mm, unsigned.

Estimated to weigh approximately 39.5 grams. All engraved with Etruscan lettering. Scratches to all consistent with age and wear, one with heavier indentations. Highly articulated fancy link chain later, with safety catch. In good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A small gold bell had been found on Mount Esquiline in Rome in 1873 which bore an inscription that according to contemporary translation meant ''I am submitted to the eyes''. The bell was bought and sold several times and was in the Castellani collection of antique jewellery by 1877 and was exhibited in New York. The ancient bell has not been traced since 1884 when it was sold at the posthumous sale of Alessandro's effects in Paris. Several replicas are known that were presumably made by Castellani. A very similar bell pendant, listed as Italian, probably Rome, is found in the Hull-Grundy Gift to the British Museum. See The Art of the Jeweller, Vol I, pp. 153-154, no. 970 and Vol II, p. 253, no. 970.

A small silver and a gold bell, lots 41 and 43, also attributed to Castellani, were sold in Sotheby's sale of Castellani and Giuliano, The Judith H. Sielgel Collection, New York, December 6th, 2006.