The third and last tablet of a Roman will made by Iulius Pomp(onius?), parts of lost surface on the inner face, two small holes both at the upper and lower rim (for binding the tablets of this document together); on the inner face the recess inscribed with twenty-one lines of Roman cursive script consisting of testamentary dispositions regarding a special category of fields (gemiones), ending with the mancipatory formula of Roman testaments; on the outer face two sulci and signatures of witnesses. 106 grams, 20.2 x 16.2 cm



Acquired by Albert Sfez in the early 1950s. Formerly the property of Monsieur Alain Sfez, a Belgium collector; acquired by gift from his father Albert Sfez, in 1965. Acquired by a London dealer in 1973. From an important London collection since 1975; thence by descent. Accompanied by a copy of an illustrated academic report by Professor Dr phil. Peter Rothenhöfer. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12601-230811.

Professor Dr phil. Peter Rothenhöfer writes: 'Without any doubts this tablet is an original document from Roman times. Because only few Roman testaments have survived this document is of great importance both for Roman Legal and Social History'.

Comprising a rectangular-section hoop and steep scooped shoulders rising to a rectangular bezel, inset emerald cabochon. 4.04 grams, 24.52 mm overall, 17.00 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)



Acquired from Bertolami Fine Arts Ltd, Addlestone, UK, auction 66, no.500. From a private Tyneside collection, formed since the early 2000s. Accompanied by a copy of the original Bertolami invoice.

Round-section hoop with granule cluster to each shoulder, ellipsoid cell with inset banded agate cabochon; one end of the bezel and outer edge of hoop damaged. 2.45 grams, 20.32 mm overall, 11.79 x 16.35 mm internal diameter (approximate size British E 1/2, USA 2 1/2, Europe 3, Japan 3)



Private family collection, acquired in the 1980s. with Christie's, New York, Ancient Jewellery, 11 December 2003, no.506. Property of a European collection. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate, no.S00029664.

With facetted hoop, ellipsoid cell to the bezel with inset carnelian gemstone, intaglio image of a kantharos; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 5.88 grams, 24.02 mm overall, 19.60 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S, USA 9, Europe 20, Japan 19)



From the collection of a Surrey gentleman; acquired 1970-1980.

From the middle of the 3rd century AD, gem production in the Roman Empire declined rapidly. At the same time the first Christian motifs began to be visible on the rings.

Comprising a D-shaped hoop with angled shoulders, raised oval bezel set with a carnelian intaglio bearing the image of a standing stork on a baseline. 3.19 grams, 19.79 mm overall, 18.06 x 11.63 mm internal diameter (approximate size British E, USA 2 1/4, Europe 2.41, Japan 2)



From a Dunmow, UK, collection; formed from 1970.

Gold cell with flange rim and three lateral loops; inset intaglio of a cloaked goddess (Venus) with a distaff and diadem, caressing a hare. 5.68 grams, 22 mm



From the collection of a deceased Lady collector, 1970s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12957-243670.

Symbol of fertility and of good luck, the hare became a popular motif in the pre-Roman Era on the coins of Messina, Etruscan art and coins and Calenian pottery. The hare was a sacred animal to Venus (Aphrodite), often depicted in her worship and associated with love and fertility.

Each hoop with hook-and-eye closure and granule, wire dangle with pearl seed bead. 2.53 grams total, 26-27 mm



Ex Graham Slater collection, Cambridge, 1980s-1990s.

A repoussé disc with beaded border, esoteric magical symbols to the centre including a winged phallus, a scorpion, a snake, a dog / wolf, a squirrel(?) and a fish/dolphin; a small loop to the reverse. 0.98 grams, 19.2 mm



Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, UK.

Piriform with rounded rim and underside, applied white glass trail in spiral from shoulder to base. 38.2 grams, 95 mm



Acquired Christie's, London, Antiquities, Works of Art and Important Renaissance Bronzes, Plaquettes and Limoges Enamels, 8 July 1981, no.5 (illus). From a private Wiltshire, UK, collection. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages.

With bulbous body, tall tubular neck, broad everted rim; applied trail from lower neck to base; extensive iridescence. 21.77 grams, 90 mm



Previously from a German private collection. Acquired Sotheby's, London, 13 & 14 July 1981, no.442 (illus). From a private Wiltshire, UK, collection. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Sotheby's catalogue pages.

With bulbous body featuring a low-relief interlocking octagonal cells and trumpet-style neck and rim; iridescent surfaces; mounted on a custom-made stand. 87 grams total, 95 mm including stand



From an important collection of glass, London, UK, 1990s.

With dimpled base, carinated flange to foot and waisted body with applied trail beneath the shoulder, flared rim. 42 mm, 78 mm



From an important collection of glass, London, UK, 1990s.