Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History & Coins

Comprising: a discoid brooch with two animals and a male head on the perimeter; an enamelled brooch with a raised central boss and a loop on the outer edge; a domed mount with enamelled fields and radiating bosses on the outer edge, two T-shaped lugs on the reverse; a small coin(?) with a profile bust on the obverse and a seated figure on the reverse. 25.1 grams total, 9.6-26 mm



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

With intaglio seahorse with its forelegs extended; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.27 grams, 8.14 mm



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

Bulbous body and flat base, a tubular neck with an everted rim. 27 grams, 65 mm



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.A17.

Jasper cloison in a bronze ring fragment, with intaglio standing Mercury with caduceus and marsupium. 2.34 grams, 20 mm



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

The eagle standing with its wings closed, and its head turned slightly to the right, with long claws spread on the top of a large goat head with long segmented horns and a protruding beard. 22.1 grams, 34 mm



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

Rounded body with large looped handle at the rear and long nozzle, D-shaped filler hole with raised rim, maker's mark on the base. 58 grams, 10.6 cm



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

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 31 grams total, 14-23 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.

Composed of mixed beads in graduated sizes, with a large bead as the central feature, restrung. 18.7 grams, 38 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Openwork brooch with coiled pin and catchplate on the reverse. 11.9 grams, 33 mm



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

Each cuboid with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. 4.35 grams total, 11 mm each



Ex Essex gentleman's collection, 2000s.

Rounded body with long nozzle, raised rim around the discus with central filling hole and three raised lugs on the shoulder; the base with concentric circles and maker's mark 'FORTIS'. 122 grams, 11.8 cm



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

A pair of cuboid dice, each with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4 and 1:6, 2:3, 4:5. 8.22 grams total, 13 mm each



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