Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History & Coins

Comprising a gently domed hoop and an oval bezel with a stylised bird motif. 2.84 grams, 19.40 mm overall, 16.59 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Modelled in the round with back arched, legs extended, right arm reaching upwards; old collector's label marked 'Thetford'. 26.2 grams, 43 mm



Found Thetford, Norfolk, UK.

Core-formed with a slightly dimpled base, deep shoulder and short neck, mouth with a flared rim and applied trail to give a stepped appearance. 43 grams, 99 mm



From a specialist collection of glass, acquired from dealerships during the 1990s.

Cuboid with slightly concave surfaces showing some pellet markings, collector's number sticker '178' to one side. 21.14 grams, 14.4 mm



From the Colin Narbeth collection, 1990s, collection no.178.

Shallow body with a D-shaped handle at the rear, the edge with a vine-leaf border, two filler holes at the centre flanking a profile bust; an old label at the base reading 'Roman redware terracotta lamp excavated at Thurburbo Major c. 3rd-4th cent AD'. 140 grams, 10.8 cm



Acquired from Vanessa Purcell & Company, Manchester, UK, in 1993. From the collection of Mr & Mrs J.G.W. Lee, late Herefordshire collectors, their collection having been established from the 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of an original sales receipt.

Discoid in plan, the reverse with a floral motif, the obverse with concentric rings, pellets and scrolls. 30 grams, 58 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Penannular rectangular-section body with linear and ring-and-dot decoration. 22.5 grams, 54 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

With a convex bow and a returned foot forming the catchplate, a coiled spring pin. 4.73 grams, 51 mm



Acquired Town Hall Antiques, Market Place, Woburn, Bedfordshire, UK, on 21st January 2000. Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by the original Town Hall Antiques invoice.

With bell-shaped body, tall pinched neck, flared and rolled rim to the mouth; iridescent surface. 37.6 grams, 13.2 cm



Ex London, UK, art market 1990s.

Piriform body with a narrow base, trumpet-shaped neck with everted rim. 85.7 grams, 12.4 cm



From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. Accompanied by the original collector's data sheet with reference no.A20.

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 40 grams total, 16-21 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four-sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term token is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets.

With ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. 4.9 grams, 14 mm



Ex Essex gentleman's collection, 2000s.