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

Formed as a gladius sword with tongue-shaped blade pierced for suspension, square-section handle and knob finial. 2.14 grams, 27 mm



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

Fragment from a rim with stepped and everted edge; low-relief profile image of a centaur galloping, ridden by a naked youth (Achilles) holding a rosette in his extended hand; behind, the hand of another figure reaching towards the rosette and in front, the hindlegs of a panther; old collector's label to reverse. 34 grams, 59 mm



From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s.

Rectangular quillon with one end formed as a fist making the fica gesture and the other end formed as an erect phallus. 8.71 grams, 52 mm



From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1969-1999, thence by descent.

Bulbous body with a flat base, tall tubular neck with a rolled rim. 135 grams, 14.4 cm



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

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 28.4 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.

Including a standing figure of Mars with a spear, Venus in chiton, Mercury wearing a petasos and other types; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. 4.68 grams total, 9-17 mm



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

Large group of decorated fragments, including two with maker's marks, one for 'MARTI M' and the other for 'DOMITVS', one with dolphins within medallions, one with a bird facing back, two showing hounds, one with a kneeling Erotes, and the other with various vegetal and geometric decorations; most with inked collector's notes. 530 grams total, 4.1-11.3 cm



Found at Reculver, Kent, UK, and elsewhere in the late 1950s. From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s.

Squat in profile with pierced lug handle to the rear, stub nozzle; discus with low-relef female mask, sidewall with 'FVC' and 'VL' monograms, underside with 'PASAVIC' between pellets. 18.7 grams, 61 mm



From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s.

Including Fortuna with wheel, profile bust and other types; some supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.61 grams total, 8-15 mm



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

Comprising two parallel hoops connected with angled filigree struts with a granule to each node, annulets to the shoulders, irregular circular cells each set with a cabochon garnet; hoop cracked at underside. 1.38 grams, 17.03 mm overall, 14.85 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G 1/2, USA 3 1/2, Europe 5.55, Japan 5)



Acquired in the 1992. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.

Including standing winged figure, perching bird, advancing stag, sea-horse and other types; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. 5 grams total, 7-20 mm



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

Flat-section loop with expanding shoulders into a flat discoid bezel with incised motif of clasped hands. 4.37 grams, 19.65 mm overall, 16.24 x 15.00 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)



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