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

Substantial hoop and integral disc bezel, incuse winged gryphon motif in profile attacking a serpent. 8.17 grams, 28.17 mm overall, 20.90 x 21.33 mm internal diameter (approximate size British W, USA 11, Europe 25, Japan 24)



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

Group of ferrous items, including nails, and other items. 280 grams total, 19-85 mm



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

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 34.1 grams total, 14-21 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.

Cylindrical body with a slightly concave base, short tubular neck with an everted rim. 40 grams, 11.8 cm



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

Conical body with a concave base, a tall tubular neck with an everted rim. 34 grams, 14.5 cm



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

Fusiform type with intaglio profile grazing horse on a baseline; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.45 grams, 11 mm



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

Broad and squat with pierced lug handle and stub nozzle; sloped shoulder with lateral lugs, discus with low-relief facing image of Harpocrates holding a thyrsus; underside with maker's stamp '[A]SALRON[.]'. 75.3 grams, 10.7 cm



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

Intaglio winged Victory standing with one arm extended; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.29 grams, 8.81 mm



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

Composed of oblate, spherical, melon, and other beads with a polygonal pendant, restrung. 26 grams, 33.3 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Vessel fragment with low-relief scene including a bull with head lowered at the feet of a bestiarius with large scutum shield and ribbed greaves; old collector's label to reverse 'Bestiarius and bullfight in arena'. 45 grams, 11.3 cm



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

Fragments of wall plaster with rendered surface painted with mainly Pompeii red, pale blue and white detailing; some with an impression of timber laths to the reverse. 1.02 kg total, 8.6-12.7 cm



Acquired in the 19th century. Ex Jeger collection, Switzerland. UK gallery, early 2000s.

These small fragments, by analogy with the fragments of Pompeii, seem to belong to the second style of Roman painting - red panels representing highlight and shadow, decorated with vegetal interlaces. A red grenade fillet probably framed some panels. A fragment shows alternate blue and red colours over a cream background, maybe pertinent to a socle.

Transparent oval intaglio engraved with a goat on a groundline. 0.44 grams, 13 mm



with H.A.C. AG, Basel, until 1999.