Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History & Coins

Mould-blown bottle comprising a flat-based tubular body and short neck with returned flange rim. 94.2 grams, 14 cm



From an important London collection of glass, 1990s.

Most of similar examples of Roman bottles have been found in the Eastern Mediterranean. Earliest examples have been found in Roman Lusitania (Pombalinho-Santarem). The type lasted until the 4th century A.D. (Samaria-Sebaste, Israel).

The hoop with a central groove dividing into two bezels with bosses. 3.86 grams, 21.67 mm overall, 16.14 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I, USA 4 1/4, Europe 7.44, Japan 7)



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

With intaglio combat scene between two bears; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.59 grams, 12.43 mm



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

Featuring a slender hoop with angled shoulders and the bezel with a standing lion(?). 1.87 grams, 21.48 mm overall, 14.29x15.89 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)



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

With intaglio winged Victory standing in a floor-length robe; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.80 grams, 11.81 mm



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

With intaglio profile bust, bearded and wearing a solar crown; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.81 grams, 13.91 mm



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

D-section hoop with angled shoulders and raised bezel with pseudo inscription, inked collector's number on the inside 'MI574'; polished. 3.49 grams, 22.30 mm overall, 15.52 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)



Formerly in the collection of Lord McAlpine of West Green, bearing collection number M1574. Bonhams, Knightsbridge, London, Antiquities Sale, Wednesday 12th July 2000, no.9 (part). Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by a copy of the Bonhams invoice.

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 32 grams total, 14-20 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.

Conical body with a circular opening; set in a glazed wooden display frame. 114 grams total, 93 x 94 mm including frame



Acquired from Ancient Art Shop, Berkshire, UK. From the collection of a Nottingham, UK, collector, established from the early 2000s. Accompanied by the original Ancient Art Shop certificate of authenticity.

Pale green discoid pendant with an impressed motif of a standing lion facing, a crescent and a star above. 1.88 grams, 24.91 mm



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

Comprising: a finial formed as a slender bird; a stylised bull's head mount with a loop on the reverse; an openwork bird mount with remains of a loop on the reverse. 8.56 grams, 18-28.6 mm



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

Discoid mount with raised facial detailing framed by a striated mane. 0.46 grams, 9.61 mm



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