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

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.

Modelled as a miniature juglet with a bulbous body and a strap handle, pierced longitudinally. 5.56 grams, 21 mm



Ex the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1970s-2000s. Accompanied by a previously illustrated catalogue card with provenance.

Composed of oblate and other beads interspersed with teardrop-shaped amuletic beads, the central feature comprising an annular and a polygonal bead, restrung. 11.7 grams, 35 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Hemispherical body with a slightly concave base, a tall tubular neck with a rolled rim. 79 grams, 16 cm



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

Integral ellipsoid plaque with incuse profile male bust with beard and wreath to the brow. 8.06 grams, 22.86 mm overall, 17.92 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



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

Ellipsoid plaque with incuse figure of Jupiter standing nude on a baseline with an eagle perching at his feet, spear resting in one hand, wreath in the other; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.38 grams, 12 mm



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

With intaglio standing nude figure, possibly Venus, holding a cornucopia; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.27 grams, 8.38 mm



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

Square-section hoop with spurs to the shoulders, articulated barrel-shank key with voided bit. 4.31 grams, 35 mm



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

Comprising fifty-six intaglios and intaglio fragments, motifs including: a helmetted Minerva, a cameo of a male bust with a labarum, a kneeling figure, a standing figure holding a long staff and a snake(?), a reclining quadruped before a tree, a leaping lion, and others. 16 grams total, 5-16 mm



Private collection, London.