LONDON, ENGLAND An important English limestone relief of St. Peter dating from the early 10th century, was recently discovered in a Somerset garden being used as a pet's gravestone. It is to be offered in a sale of European Sculpture and Works of Art 900-1900, at Sotheby's in London. The stone which was found at a salvage yard and erected by the current owner's late husband, was discovered by chance, by a passer-by and further research has led to its identification.

The relief made from Oolitic limestone which will be offered in the sale on Friday, December 10, 2004 is incredibly rare, as few reliefs of this period have survived, time normally having worn the surface detail away. On this carving, which is believed to have originally been a section of a cross shaft, or part of a larger panel, the figure of St. Peter is clearly visible. A rare survivor of English stone carving at its best, it draws strong parallels to the 9th and 10th centuries. Comparisons are found in manuscripts of the period showing the same treatment of drapery on St. Peter's robes and similar figural representations. The relief is estimated to fetch £40,000-60,000.

An important presentation bronze of Edward, Prince of Wales on horseback, entitled The Black Prince would have almost certainly gone on to be one of the most recognized monuments in London - had it not been for the death of its patron, Prince Albert, in 1861.

The well-known image of the statue of Richard The Lionheart standing proudly outside the House of Lords is recognized the world over. The Black Prince was the second Royal commission asked of sculptor Baron Carlo Marochetti (1805-1867) which was planned to complement Richard The Lionheart. Unfortunately the project had only reached proposal stage at the time of Prince Albert's death.

The exceptionally large bronze scale model (130.5 cm high) in Sotheby's sale, is the only record of Marochetti's proposal for this prestigious commission and is in itself a magnificent work. In excellent condition, it sits on its original plinth and bears mounted relief decorations, all executed with careful precision. Only one smaller bronze cast of the equestrian group exists, which is preserved in the Royal Collections at Buckingham Palace. Interestingly a silver cast of the same dimensions of the bronze was purchased by Lord Townsend from the jewellers Asprey and used as a symbol for Anglia Television in the 1970s.

As well as being one of the most flamboyant sculptors of the 19th century, Marochetti was one of the most accomplished. His Royal and aristocratic connections, combined with his highly accomplished technique and originality, ensured a constant stream of commissions. Certainly one of his finest works, The Black Prince is estimated at £60,000-80,000.

Among other highlights in the sale is a pair of dramatic equestrian bronze groups of warriors in full battle, by Venetian sculptor Francesco Bertos (active 1693-1739). These early pieces by the maker are rare, as Bertos was known mainly for his mythological works. The pair is estimated at £120,000-180,000.

An unusual group of eleven busts of different Emperors dating from the 18th century are estimated to fetch £40,000-60,000. A polychrome and giltwood retable depicting Christ on the way to Calvary is stamped with three guild marks - confirming its exceptional quality. It is estimated at £60,000-80,000.