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

Mixed group of rings comprising: a D-section ring; a ring with angled shoulders and raised circular bezel; a ring with slender hoop and bezel set with a blue intaglio with two figures; a large ring with rectangular bezel with '1888' with a cross above; a ring with large rectangular bezel with faint remains of an inscription; a ring with forked shoulders and the bezel set with a dark green glass intaglio with a low-relief image of a doe before a tree; a ring with an oval pale orange carnelian intaglio bearing an inscription. 32 grams total, 19-28 mm



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

Fragments of wall plaster with rendered surface painted with mainly Pompeii red, pale blue and white detailing; some with impression of timber laths to the reverse. 601 grams total, 4.5-10.6 cm



Acquired in the 19th century. Ex Jeger collection, Switzerland. UK gallery, early 2000s.

These small fragments, for analogies with the fragments of Pompeii, seem to belong to the second style of Roman painting, red panels representing highlight and shadow, decorated with vegetal interlaces. Some panels were probably framed by a red grenade fillet. A fragment shows alternate blue and red colour over a cream background, maybe pertinent to a socle.

Plano-convex type with incuse design of a profile portrait bust of a youthful male; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.43 grams, 8 mm



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

Comprising: three rectangular weights, one barrel-shaped with two symbols on one end, and a tabular bifacial plaque with four standing figures on one side and the other with three figures. 72 grams total, 14-22 mm



Acquired on UK art market. Property of a Middlesex gentleman.

Lentoid-section hoop with discoid bezel, inset carnelian cloison with incuse profile horsehead with bridle. 3.30 grams, 19.78 mm overall, 16.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)



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.A108.

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 37.4 grams total, 17-20 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.

Mixed group including gold-in-glass, trail-decorated, and other types. 32.5 grams total, 5-34 mm



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

With a chord, spring and pin, and a trumpet-shaped headplate; scooped collar to bow and discoid finial at base of flared foot with punched decoration; articulated pin intact; partial catchplate projecting from the reverse. 8.17 grams, 35 mm



Ex German collection, 1990s.

Formed as a standing horse with an arched neck, the front legs forming the pin-catch. 14.4 grams, 46 mm



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

Mainly composed of black and brown beads with some facetted beads, the central feature composed of three large later beads; restrung. 23.2 grams, 37.7 cm



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

Large size ring with D-section hoop and an oval bezel with a profile bust of an emperor, standing Victory before him holding a wreath above his head. 3.03 grams, 24.96 mm overall, 22.06 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22)



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

Cylindrical body with dimple base and a tubular neck with a flared rim. 27.2 grams, 91 mm



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