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

Cuboid with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. 2.82 grams, 11 mm



Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection, 1990s.

With a low conical body and slightly convex wall, dimple base; tall cylindrical neck flaring to a thick everted rim. 24 grams, 14 cm



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

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 41.2 grams total, 17-22 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.

Ellipsoid type with incuse design to the underside of a scorpion with segmented tail; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.49 grams, 11 mm



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

Facetted hoop with rectangular bezel set with a raised intaglio with a flaming altar; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 4.69 grams, 18.39 mm overall, 15.64 mm internal diameter (approximate size British F 1/2, USA 3, Europe 4.3, Japan 4)



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

Bulbous foot attached to a thick openwork disc and topped by a standing eagle; repaired, mounted on a display stand. 95.2 grams total, 14 cm including stand



From the private collection of a Sussex, UK, gentleman.

Composed mainly of oblate beads with a larger feature bead, restrung with an elasticated string. 4.41 grams, 17 cm



Ex Ancient Art Shop, Windsor, UK, 1990s. Ex private collection.

Broad hoop and integral plaque, incised legend ''[.]AΓIA / CEPΓI' (Saint Sergios); with old collector's catalogue ticket. 6.86 grams, 23.47 mm overall, 19.23 x 15.85 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)



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

The discus with two opposing gladiators, one holding a round shield, loop handle to the rear. 47 grams, 98 mm



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

Modelled in the round as a nude horseman with legs spread, right hand extended palm-upwards. 29.7 grams, 61 mm



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

Including bezel fragment with inset intaglio Venus, ellipsoid bezel with ring-and-dot motifs, cup bezel with scooped shoulders and other types. 24.2 grams total, 16-25 mm



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

Mainly composed of oblate and annular beads, the central feature with a tabular triangular bead; restrung. 7.5 grams, 44.5 cm



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