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

Including a warrior with a long shield, a standing figure with a spear, Isis Minerva with cornucopia and rudder and other types; nine supplied with a museum-quality impression. 5.05 grams total, 9-16 mm



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

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 34.8 grams total, 15-24 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.

Pair of cuboid gaming dice with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. 2.9 grams total, 9-10 mm



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

Comprising a conical body and a flaring foot with a rolled rim. 93 grams, 10.2 cm



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

Comprising various polychrome fragments, one showing intricate flower details. 64.5 grams total, 15-66 mm



Acquired on the European art market.

With piriform body, tapering tubular neck with everted flange rim; collector's label 'F/20' to base. 68 grams, 12.6 cm



From the collection of the late Bernard C. Pickard, Hampshire, UK, the owner of Bernard C. Pickard Antiquities, which closed in 1987, he had been collecting since the mid 1950s. Accompanied by a typed information display card.

Bernard Pickard was a close friend of Richard Hattatt, the renowned author of several books on ancient brooches. Hattatt acknowledges in his first book, Ancient & Romano-British Brooches, published in 1982, that Mr Pickard first aroused his interest in brooches and inspired him in writing his books during his retirement. Mr Pickard also wrote the foreword to the section on Roman animal brooches, op.cit. p.158-160.

Modelled nude and standing on a pedestal, holding a caduceus in his outstretched left hand and wearing a winged hat. 53.7 grams, 88 mm



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

Composed mainly of annular and oblate beads with a central drop, restrung. 6.8 grams, 36.5 cm



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

With a curving plate and lateral attachment lugs, a conical pricket. 9.85 grams, 82 mm



From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

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.