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

Discoid clay mould with an impressed design of a coin on each face. 4.49 grams, 26 mm



London gentleman's collection, 1970-1990s, by descent.

Comprising an irregular piece, polished on two sides, probably material mined in ancient Roman times between the 1st and 5th centuries A.D. 8.3 kg, 54 cm



Acquired on the UK art market since the 1990s. From the private collection of a Somerset gentleman.

Mons Porphyrites (today Jabal Abu Dukhkhan) is the mountainous site of a group of ancient quarries in the Red Sea Hills of the inhospitable eastern desert in Egypt, a five-day trip from the Nile during Roman times. They were discovered by Caius Cominus Leugas in 18 A.D., and during the Roman Empire, the mines officially belonged to the emperor and were the only known source of the Imperial Porphyry, Mons Porphyrites. This dark purple stone was associated with royalty and used for prestigious sculpture and architecture. The location of the mines was lost sometime in the 5th century and rediscovered in the early 19th century. Excavations in the area have revealed the well-preserved quarries and the dwelling places of the quarrymen, and also thousands of ostraca have been discovered containing messages that provide details of how the quarrying took place, and of how the highly skilled quarrymen ordered their food.

Modelled in the round, sitting nude with head turned, arms and legs bent; wearing a brimmed cap with a feather in the crown; the spine and sternum modelled protruding, large, impressed eyes, genitals protruding below the crossed legs. 130 grams, 93 mm



Acquired from Helios Ancient Art, Mayfair, London, UK, circa 1986. From a privately held London, UK, collection from the 1980s-1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13276-253965.

Such small bronzes with physical abnormalities and exaggerated features served as entertainment, but also had the function of warding off evil.

With conical body and low foot, broad shoulder and neck, flared rim to the mouth and lateral strap handles. 1.04 kg, 23 cm high



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

Including octagonal-section stone with ostrich motif, cloison with insect-gryllus motif and other types, each supplied with a museum-quality impression. 7.9 grams total, 14-20 mm



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

Composed of gently graduated red and orange beads, the central feature composed of two tubular beads and a rectangular bead. 6.22 grams, 37.5 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Including Mars standing with a convex shield, a boy on horseback, Pegasus in flight, and other types, each supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.78 grams total, 6-12 mm



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

Squat in profile with broad body, small stub nozzle, loop handle; rounded discus with filler holes. 125 grams, 98 mm



Ex old English collection. From the estate of a late Bristol, South West England, collector.

The coin from the House of Constantine mounted on 22 carat gold foil, framed with an art print signed by the artist David McAllister, depicting scenes of Roman military activity; limited edition number 166/1150. 1.26 kg, 49.5 x 37.5 cm



UK gallery, early 2000s. Accompanied by a previous numbered certificate of authenticity.

David McAllister's exciting design is a 'one of a kind' work that portrays the might and riches of the Roman civilisation. This limited edition print is a celebration of the award-winning artist's lifetime dedication to historical paintings of the ancient world. To enhance appreciation of this rare and historic work, each print is signed and numbered by the artist.

Bulbous body and a short tubular neck with an everted rim. 105 grams, 12.2 cm



Roman glass from an important London collection, acquired from the early 1980s.

Formed as a flat-section hoop with a tapering ovaloid bezel. 0.83 grams, 12.37 mm overall, 11.07 mm internal diameter



Ex Herbert A. Cahn, Basel, 1990s.

Including advancing bear, Fortuna with a cornucopia, winged gryphon and other types; some supplied with a museum-quality impression. 5.4 grams total, 8-19 mm



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