Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History & Coins

A thick rim fragment from a shallow platter showing an oneraria ship with open sails and two profile heads facing right, a nude figure at the centre in a dynamic pose, wearing a cloak and gazing back towards another figure. 50 grams, 11.6 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.A57.

Formed as the sole of a sandal with raised edges and a small loop to the rear; underside with remains of a catchplate and a pin. 4.41 grams, 39.8 mm



Ex Manchester collection, 1990s. Accompanied by a previous typed catalogue information card.

Plano-convex in profile with conical upper face. 17.88 grams, 20.67 mm



From the London collection of the late Mr S.M., 1969-1999.

Broad body with lug handle at the rear, shoulder with a border of rosettes and stars, two filler holes to discus flanking a Christogram with annulet detailing. 174 grams, 13.8 cm



From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent, with collector's reference no.A37.

Including a belt-hanger and other items, coins of Vespasian, Henry III, Elizabeth I, James I, Charles I and others. 32 grams total, 13-51 mm



From a private Suffolk, UK, collection.

With intaglio profile female bust with circlet to the brow; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.72 grams, 11.67 mm



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

Model of a bovine astragalus, collection sticker '184' to one side. 39.2 grams, 28.4 mm



From the Colin Narbeth collection, 1990s. Accompanied by a previous typed catalogue information card.

Modelled in the round, standing figure of Cupid, nude in advancing pose reaching over his shoulder to take an arrow from his quiver; left arm extended to support his bow (absent). 82 grams, 78 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.

Domed body with ring-and-dot and linear decoration; set in a glazed wooden frame. 117 graams total, 93 x 93 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.

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 31 grams total, 14-21 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 intaglio seahorse in profile with tail raised; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.33 grams, 11.12 mm



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

Featuring a D-section hoop and an oval bezel with a pseudo-inscription(?). 1.21 grams, 14.74 mm overall, 11.80 mm internal diameter



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