Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History, Stamps & Coins

Rounded body with a short nozzle and lug handle, the discus with a profile bust of a youth, inked collector's number 'L115' on the base. 150 grams, 12.2 cm



Ex important German collection, 1960-1990.

Plano-convex type with central recess in upper face; coiled construction. 7.12 grams, 25 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(s) with reference no.A46.

Broad and squat in profile with inturned rim and external carination. 410 grams, 16.7 cm wide



From the collection of David Donlan (1947-2025), a dedicated and lifelong collector with a passion for the ancient world and the natural sciences, forming his collection from 1960s onwards, using many reputable dealers across the United Kingdom, including the well-regarded Coincraft and The Parthenon Gallery.

Curving pendant formed as an erect phallus with lateral testes, a large suspension loop above. 12.6 grams, 49 mm



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

Comprising nine lamps, including one with a wreathed profile bust, one with a man and a horse, one with the handle formed as a bearded head, one with a cross, and others. 823 grams total, 6.2-13.9 cm



From an important collection of lamps, Germany, 1970s.

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 34.4 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' refers to a four-sided shape. 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.

Red carnelian intaglio with an incuse image of a flying insect with a stinger and a long needle extending from the head; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 0.53 grams, 12 mm



UK private collection before 2000. London collection, acquired on the UK art market.

With discoid base, angled stem and ridged finial. 26.9 grams, 37 mm



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

With globular body, dimple foot, slight vertical ribbing to body, broad funicular mouth with folded rim. 174 grams, 19 cm



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

Similar vessels (bottles) were found in 4th-5th century tombs at Beit Ras, Jordan, and from Samaria-Sebaste, Israel. The most recognisable characteristic of these bottles was the faint ribs on the body. The type survived until the Arab conquest in the 7th century A.D.

A substantial ring with a keeled hoop with four bezels decorated with hatching and separated by raised banding. 7.91 grams, 29.88 mm overall, 23.37 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z+2 1/2, USA 13 3/4, Europe 32.01, Japan 30)



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

Curving guard with an oval socket, one side formed as an erect phallus and the other as a hand making the fica gesture. 4.91 grams, 39 mm



Found near Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Lancashire, UK, collector.

Including spoon-bowl with baluster, vessel foot with impressed 'ROTT[..]IM' stamp and other items. 50 grams total, 43-72 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(s) with reference no.A5, A14, A30, A41 & A98.