About this lot

Description

the shaped chalcedony handle to a gold mount with a circular rub-over set and seal engraved bloodstone, height 7½cm

Footnote: The crest, 'a squirrel sejant or, holding a hazel branch slipped and furcated all proper' together with the motto 'Exaltavit Humiles' (He hath exalted the humble') is believed to be that of the Holte family, of Aston Hall, Birmingham. The Holtes were a wealthy, land-owning family of some importance in Warwickshire. Designed by John Thorpe, construction started on Aston Hall in April 1618 by Sir Thomas Holte, who finally moved into the Hall in 1631. The house was completed in April 1635 and remained in the Holte family until 1817, when it was sold and leased by James Watt Jr., son of industrial pioneer, James Watt. Aston Hall is now a Grade 1 listed stately home and museum. It sits in a large park, part of which became Villa Park, the home ground of Aston Villa football club and the "Holte End" of the stand there is named after Sir Thomas Holte.

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