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

Discoid mount with a raised bearded face at the centre in three-quarter view, browband resting on the forehead, pointy goat's ears and curving horns. 24.3 grams, 43 mm



Found Lincolnshire, UK.

Including oblate, biconical, cylindrical, and other types, including a rock crystal bead. 29 grams total, 4-23 mm



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

Fragments of wall plaster with rendered surface painted with mainly Pompeii red, pale blue and white detailing; some with impression of timber laths to the reverse. 475 grams total, 59-95 mm



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

These small fragments, for analogies 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. Some panels were probably framed by a red grenade fillet. A fragment shows alternate blue and red colour over a cream background, maybe pertinent to a socle.

With broad tapering shoulders, plaque inset with an ellipsoid intaglio profile bust. 6.92 grams, 24.70 mm overall, 20.35 x 16.77 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)



From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent.

The hoop expanding at the shoulders and the bezel set with an oval gemstone. 6.37 grams, 27.44 mm overall, 21.02 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



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

Intaglio design of fasces, caduceus and other items. 0.28 grams, 9 mm



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

Ellipsoid type with incuse design of a faun advancing with small dorsal tail and garlands round the wrists; 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.

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 33.9 grams total, 12-21 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' 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.

Polygonal with ring-and-dot markings arranged 1:6, 2:3, 4:5. 1.63 grams, 11 mm



Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection, 1990s.

Two cuboid dice with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6,2:5, 3:4. 2.31 grams total, 8-9 mm



Ex gentleman collector of antique and antiquity games from Berkshire, UK, having collected for over 20 years.

Lozengiform plaque with tiered design, bow formed as a reclining lion with forepaws flanking a casket; hinged pin above and catch to the reverse. 12.9 grams, 40 mm



Acquired at the York Fair. Property of a Lancashire, UK, collector.

Carved from two-toned stone showing a raised image of a seated figure flanked by two smaller figures reaching towards the central figure. 0.17 grams, 9 mm



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