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. 36.7 grams total, 16-22 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.

Each with a figural impression, including a lion, a bird, a seated figure, Victory, and two with a standing figure. 12.16 grams total, 13-20 mm



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

Composed of mixed beads with larger beads as a central feature, restrung. 15.7 grams, 35 cm



Acquired in the 1990s. Ex London, UK, collection.

Lentoid in section with opposed beast-head finials, one absent. 39.2 grams, 67 mm



From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent.

Designer necklace composed of cylindrical glass beads with dragged trails, alternating with later spherical beads, hook-and-loop closure, restrung. 66 grams, 58 cm



London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s. Private collection, London, UK.

Composed mainly of small oblate beads interspersed with larger beads, the central feature composed of five larger beads; restrung. 10.2 grams, 31 cm



Acquired in the 1990s. Ex London, UK, collection.

Bifacial fragment with incised border; Side A - upper body of standing figure with arms raised beside nimbate figure surmounted by a star and feather; Side B - two ruled horizontal bands with lightly-incised text. 3.99 grams, 28 mm



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

Large circular body with raised bosses on the shoulder and a piecrust rim surrounding the shallow discus with indented pellets, inked collector's number '368' on the base. 223 grams, 14.4 cm



Ex important German collection, 1960-1990.

Facetted lentoid-section sling shot (glans) with inscription in Latin letters 'CN' (Cneius) 'MAG' (Magnus) on one side, and 'IMP' for 'IMPERATOR' (victorious general) to the other side, i.e Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus Imperator (Pompey the Great the victorious general). 81grams, 43 mm



Previously from a private Spanish collection. Property of a Middlesex gentleman. Accompanied by a copy of a Spanish export licence.

Ellipsoid type with incuse design of a bird perching on a globe with its head turned to one side, wreath in its beak; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.68 grams, 13 mm



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

Bulbous body with curving nozzle and a raised filler hole flanking the suspension loop, the body with raised decoration and three stub legs, possibly depicting a hedgehog. 118 grams, 81 mm



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

Flat-section cross with slightly expanding arms, pin and catchplate on the reverse. 6.16 grams, 32 mm



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