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Add. MS a/732/5 · Item · 3 Dec. 1864
Part of Additional Manuscripts a

Trinity College, Cambridge. - Responds to an enquiry about works on symbolism, in relation to an MS in the possession of King's correspondent. King himself thinks the MS is alchemical. Recommends Eastwood's at 27 Haymarket, where there is a 'vast assortment' of gems of all ages. King 'never now acquire[s] anything of value save through his mediation'.

Add. MS a/732/6 · Item · 23 Dec. 1867
Part of Additional Manuscripts a

Trinity College, Cambridge. - Expects he will be in Cambridge for the whole of the winter; will be 'delighted to have, as soon as possible, your last glyptic acquisitions to criticise'. The 'very curious' subject first enclosed must be 'the amour of Jove with Olympias, which got Alexander', as indicated by the globe at her foot. Mentioned his correspondent's purchase of the iron rings to 'poor [George] Eastwood', who said they were a 'queer lot' which he had kept together in a drawer. Discussion of other collectors.

Add. MS a/732/7 · Item · [Dec. 1867/early 1868?]
Part of Additional Manuscripts a

The beginning of the letter is missing, but it seems to have been written at around the same time and to the same correspondent as Add MS a 732/6, since both refer to a lot of iron rings bought from Eastwood. Mentions rings with stones showing a Priapus, 'very curious', an 'AΠΙC' [Egyptian sacred bull], and a combat scene, as well as a 'fine Pegasus... clearly modern', which 'bears witness against its fellows'. Thinks the iron rings were 'foisted in amongst Eastwood's by the auctioneers', since he did not have anything of the kind last year, whereas King recalls seeing several of the others. Advises extracting the 'three fine gems' and having them set more suitably.

Will return the collection by the end of the week, but wants to show them to someone. Thinks the forger must be German rather than Parisian. Recommends sending the collection to [Augustus Wollaston?] Franks, who is 'the great authority on metal work.