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

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 32 grams total, 14-22 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.

With a low conical body and a slightly convex wall, a tall cylindrical neck flaring to the mouth with a rolled rim. 32.9 grams, 12.9 cm



Acquired in the 1990s from London dealerships and auction houses. From the Lonson collection.

Featuring a D-section hoop and two lentoid-shaped bezels, one with 'AΘI' and the other with 'EVCT' for 'Eustatii = of Eustatios'. 2.28 grams, 20.87 mm overall, 18.32 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I, USA 4 1/4, Europe 7.44, Japan 7)



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

Round-section with flattened terminals, punched dot detailing. 25.14 grams, 76 mm



Ex property of a gentleman; from a Mayfair, London, UK, gallery. Private collection, Suffolk, UK.

Piriform body with tubular neck and everted rim. 150 grams, 14.8 cm



From the collection of a Cambridge, UK, gentleman, by direct descent from his father, who acquired the items in London in circa 1960.

Discoid type with raised concentric rings to the obverse and pellets between, enamel fill; spring, pin and catch to reverse. 5.9 grams, 27 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.A31.

Tubular in form with shallow rounded base, sloped shoulder and flared rim to the mouth. 13.5 grams, 84 mm



Ex London, UK, art market 1990s.

Formed as a small oil lamp with a loop handle to the rear. 3.85 grams, 25 mm



Ex the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1970s-1990s.

With two pelta-shaped axes and a raised central bar, pin and catchplate on the reverse. 12.5 grams, 38 mm



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

Comprising a dolphin brooch with a decorative wave motif, and a bow brooch with a flaring foot. 29.4 grams total, 35-55 mm



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

Ellipsoid in plan with chord, spring, catch and pin to reverse; central cell with inset conical stone. 7.31 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.

Comprising: a looped chain with collars; a phallic fitting; a coiled pin; a white metal discoid pendant with a star motif. 62.2 grams total, 2.8-65 cm



From the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s.