An interphalangeal ring with a slender hoop and an oval bezel with a stylised bird. 1.69 grams, 17.62 mm overall, 13.08 x 15.34 mm internal diameter (approximate size British F 1/2, USA 3, Europe 4.30, Japan 4)



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

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 34 grams total, 13-19 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.

D-section hoop expanding towards the shoulders, oval bezel with a standing ibex amongst vegetation. 6.81 grams, 22.64 mm overall, 14.48 x 18.62 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)



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

With intaglio walking rooster; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.11 grams, 6.08 mm



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

With onion-knop finials, gusset to the bow, chamfered sections to the foot, hinged pin to the reverse. 47.5 grams, 78 mm



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

Hollow-formed figure of a servant with grotesque facial features, pointed cap and a short tunic, carrying a pouch in the right hand and shoulders an overflowing fruit basket on the left; a large recess between his legs may be for the insertion of an oversized model phallus; pierced lug to rear of neck for suspension. 286 grams, 17.5 cm



Acquired from Galerie Puhze, Freiburg, between 2002 and 2010. From the collection of R. L., Lower Saxony. Ex Gorny & Mosch, auction 300, Munich, no.75. Accompanied by a certificate from Galerie Günter Puhze and a German export licence.

Grotesque and exaggerated figurines were produced in late Hellenistic times, especially in Alexandria. The artisans, fascinated with realism, started to reproduce scenes and figures from daily life, and seemed to have a preference for emphasis on ill and deformed persons. The characters with caricature features are usually referred to as grotesques.

Showing two lions attacking a large deer, one biting the back and the other attacking its jugular, pin and catchplate on the reverse. 3.74 grams, 35 mm



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

Comprising a thick hoop and a hexagonal bezel flanked by cross motifs within a square. 1.33 grams, 13.40 mm overall, 8.59 mm internal diameter



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

With intaglio winged Victory stooping, holding a wreath; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.46 grams, 10.69 mm



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

Rectangular-section penannular shank with clubbed ends, bands of impressed crescents to the outer face, hatched panel with applied wire scrolls and cabochon in cell. 22.9 grams, 61 mm



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

Composed of gently graduating beads with larger beads as a central feature, restrung. 8.01 grams, 38 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Comprising a round-section handle with an ovoid applicator and a balustered finial. 4.28 grams, 11.3 cm



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