Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History & Coins

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 162/1150. 1.26 kg, 49.5 x 37.5 cm



UK gallery, early 2000s. Accompanied by a previous numbered 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.

Comprising three with openwork bits, one with an articulated bit. 31.6 grams total, 22-47 mm



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

Composed of small oblate beads interspersed with reused bangle fragments, the central feature with larger beads, restrung. 11.2 grams, 35 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Comprising eight radiating enamelled lanceolate cells with central stud; pin-lugs, pin and catch to reverse; the enamel restored. 9.21 grams, 32 mm



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

Discoid with chamfered edge, standing youth on a baseline with patera in one hand, sword at his hip, enigmatic legend above 'HICAPH[.]K'. 3 grams, 20 mm



Acquired in 1994. Private collection, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12867-241734.

Comprising a bulbous body with a low basal ring, a tapering tubular neck with a flanged collar, and a strap handle to the rear. 312 grams, 19.5 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.A60.

Composed mainly of oblate and annular beads, the central feature with larger beads, restrung. 12.7 grams, 30 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Featuring a flat-section hoop and an oval bezel with a standing lion. 1.13 grams, 17.18 mm overall, 16.46 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)



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

Comprising a plaque of three conjoined lobes with segmented border; at the top, a loop with segmented rim; vignette with a nude male with shoulder-length hair embracing a taller bearded figure with kilt and mantle to left shoulder (Hercules?); below, a satyr with horns and goat's legs beset by hunting dogs. 286 grams, 13.8 cm



Acquired in 1992. Private collection, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12865-241702.

Vessel mounts of this form are not a commonly recovered artefact type, and the presence of two figures instead of one is a very singular feature. We can presume that the mount was attached to a vessel of large dimensions and of a certain importance.

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 29 grams total, 14-25 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.

Ellipsoid black glass plaque with profile female bust, hair dressed in a chignon. 1.82 grams, 18.58 mm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate, no.S00011371.

Penannular flat-section body with chevron decoration. 13.7 grams, 55 mm



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