Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History & Coins

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 32 grams total, 15-20 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.

Octagonal in plan with intaglio Minerva standing with spear and shield; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.42 grams, 9.96 mm



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

Composed of mixed beads with larger feature beads, restrung. 14.1 grams, 32 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Comprising a round-section torc with hook-and-loop closure, the pendant formed as a bull's head with curving horns, a slit mouth and a hanging dewlap. 60 grams, 14.5 cm



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

The coin of Constantine the Great (272-337 A.D.) mounted on 22 carat gold foil, framed with an art print signed by the artist David McAllister, depicting scenes of Roman military activity; limited edition number 169/1150. 1.26 kg, 49.5 x 37.5 cm



UK gallery, early 2000s. Accompanied by a previous certificate of authenticity.

David McAllister's exciting design is a 'one of a kind' work that portrays the might and riches of the Roman civilisation. This limited edition print is a celebration of the award winning artist's lifetime dedication to historical paintings of the ancient world. To enhance appreciation of this rare and historic work, each individual print is signed and numbered by the artist.

Modelled as the lower left leg with anatomical detailing, sprue to the foot. 435 grams, 12.9 cm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.

Modelled in the round with a long beak and annular eyes. 14.6 grams, 44.3 mm



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

Comprising a stepped disc with carination and enamelled ring and socket to accept a stud (absent), lateral spurs; above and below a short arm with trefoil finial; pin-lugs, pin and catch to reverse. 7.68 grams, 46 mm



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

Stylised curving phallus with large suspension loop. 17.3 grams, 37 mm



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

Spherical dark blue millefiori glass bead with polychrome eye motifs melted in the surface. 1.80 grams, 12.12 mm



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

Comprising a bulbous body with hatched decoration above the shoulder, a narrow foot and a tubular neck with two strap handles. 123 grams, 85.5 mm high



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.A120.

With intaglio fish, probably the constellation Pisces; chipped; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.62 grams, 11.67 mm



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