Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History & Coins

Piriform in plan with flatted body; iridescent surface 14.8 grams, 54.8 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.A151.

With an intaglio eagle standing with its head turned and a wreath in its beak; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.97 grams, 11.14 mm



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

With intaglio putto in a landscape; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.33 grams, 10.32 mm



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

Comprising a D-section hoop with expanding shoulders and an oval bezel with a standing lion. 5.41 grams, 22.87 mm overall, 14.26x16.16 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 standing figure of Mars holding a shield and spear, supporting a victoriola on his outstretched hand; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.52 grams, 12.27 mm



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

With intaglio stag resting with the legs folded beneath the body; supplied with a museum-quality impression; Eastern Roman or Sasanian. 0.38 grams, 8.27 mm



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

Comprising a curving body, the finial formed as a stylised animal head with pointed ears and spiralled horns, large eyes and a narrow muzzle. 10.3 grams, 37.4 mm



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

Penannular round-section body with flared finials with linear decoration. 31.9 grams, 64 mm



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

Discoid with an integral loop, impressed motif of a standing figure with raised arm, and armour, two smaller objects on the field. 1.71 grams, 21.84 mm



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

Comprising a piriform body with dimple at the base, tubular neck and everted rolled rim. 39 grams, 14.5 cm



From a London, UK, collection of glass, 1970-2000s.

Group of three iron clout-nails mounted in a terracotta display with information panel 'ROMAN LEGION NAILS / circa 2000 years old'. 185 grams, 13.3 x 8.3 mm



From excavations started by Richmond in Perthshire, Scotland, from the 1950s, and discovered in the summer of 1960. Selected and displayed by David Colville & Sons by 1963. Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

The fortress at Inchtuthil was a fortified headquarters and forward supply depot for the forces led by the Roman governor, Gnaeus Julius Agricola, when he undertook a lengthy campaign against the Caledonian tribes in the north of Britain. The campaign is mentioned in the biographical work written by his son-in-law, the historian Tacitus, which has been studied in order to understand the Roman plan for the subjugation of the island. The troops chosen for the campaign were drawn from the 20th Legion (Legio XX Valeria Victrix). While the construction of Inchtuthil and other strongholds took place, the troops lived in temporary encampments, which were also fortified and formed a chain of defensive sites from which domination of the surrounding territory could be achieved. Subsequently, once the site was abandoned late in the 1st century A.D. (around 86 A.D.), no further building took place there or in the area. Excavation in the 20th century by Sir Ian Richmond (begun in 1952) revealed a pristine site with its complete plan recoverable, unique in the Roman Empire. The defences were a broad ditch and turf wall with stone facing, with watchtowers and gatehouses. The site was thought to have been abandoned due to the relocation of troops to counter an invasion from Eastern Europe into the province of Dacia, although this is no longer certain. A huge quantity of iron nails (more than 875,000) was recovered from a pit in the fort as well as other ironware; the goods had been buried in order not to let them fall into the hands of the Caledonians. The excavated nails and other items were sorted and sold in small parcels, which was completed by 1963. The nails range in size from small nails between thirty-eight and seventy millimetres long, up to the massive spikes three hundred and seventy-two millimetres long. These kinds of long nails were also used for crucifixions.

Crescentic body with one arm formed as a phallus and the other as a fist, making the 'fica' gesture, male genitalia at the centre with a large loop above. 39 grams, 73 mm



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