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

Each D-shaped in section. 39 grams total, 68-84 mm



Acquired on the UK art market since the 1990s. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman; thence by descent.

Including standing figure, profile bust, ibex, Nabataean script and other types. 11.4 grams total, 13-22 mm



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

Formed as a hound running right with panels to the body with remains of blue enamel; pin and catchplate to reverse. 4.44 grams, 33.4 mm



Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From an East Anglian private collection.

Each a miniature astragalus with surface detailing. 5.86 grams total, 17-20 mm



From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1970s, by descent.

Swept in profile comprising a horizontal crescentic panel to attach to the rim, with inlaid silver detailing, recurved cobra-shaped thumb pad, raised serpent to the outer face of the tapering handle, finial a mask of Bacchus or Pan, facing with volute scrolls to the brow and thick splayed beard; silver diadem. 118 grams, 14.4 cm



Private collection. with Christie's, London, 11 June 1997, no.97 (part). with Bonhams, 13 April 2000, no.198. Private collection, Europe.

Composed mainly of oblate beads, restrung with an elasticated string. 3.77 grams, 16.4 cm



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

Ellipsoid in plan with intaglio standing robed figure of Hecate, her heads facing left and right, with six arms; holding the leashes of two dogs standing to either side of her, with birds in the field; chipped; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.65 grams, 13 mm



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

Hecate, the goddess of the Underworld, is often represented with 6 arms: the uppermost hands holding torches, the middle hands holding daggers, and the lowermost hands holding whips. Hecate was a chthonic (underworld) goddess. As the holder of the keys that can unlock the gates between realms, she could unlock the gates of death, as described in a 3rd-century B.C. poem by Theocritus. In the 1st century AD, Virgil described the entrance to hell as 'Hecate's Grove', though he says that Hecate is equally 'powerful in Heaven and Hell.'

Comprising: two jug handles, two rings, and others. 230 grams total, 1.8-15 cm



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. 31.5 grams total, 13-21 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' suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four-sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. 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.

Discoid type with intaglio standing figures each with a spear, probably the Dioscuri (sons of Zeus-Jupiter); supplied with an impression. 0.41 grams, 12 mm



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

Modelled in the round as a stylised dolphin with incised lines to a fin, head resting on a triangular flat base. 17.3 grams, 37 mm



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

With tubular body, flared neck with everted rim and strap handle; pinched ribbing to the body, dimple base; iridescent surface 41 grams, 14 cm



From the private collection of Lloyd and Jeanne Raport, Washinton D.C. and Florida, formed between 1972-2000.