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

Dark brown cuboid dice with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. 3.48 grams, 12 mm



Ex Essex gentleman, previously in a Cambridgeshire, UK, gentleman's collection.

Curved in profile with low-relief scene of a secutor with large shield advancing towards a lion. 38.3 grams, 63 mm



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

A plate brooch formed as an axe, scrolled tendril at the bottom of a long slender handle; catchplate to the reverse. 7.4 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 deep hollow-formed body, lug handle and short nozzle, wreath to the shoulder and low-relief image of a boxer(?) on one leg. 136 grams, 11.3 cm



Ex J.R. collection, Netherlands, since before 2000. Private collection, Europe, acquired from the above.

Including facing bust, profile bust, kneeling camel and other types. 8.52 grams total, 13-18 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. 32.7 grams total, 13-22 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.

Ellipsoid in plan with intaglio Mercury in profile standing with marsupium in one hand, wearing a petasos; supplied with an impression. 0.30 grams, 11 mm



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

Modelled as a stylised eagle on a tongue-shaped platform, incised decoration to the body. 2.2 grams, 16 mm



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

Bell-shaped body with a wide everted rim and applied basal ring. 145 grams, 16 cm



From the collection of Dr Gerhard Muller-Afers, Speyer; thence by family descent. Private collection, Europe, acquired from the above.

Columnar shank with terminal of a female bust with hair dressed in a chignon and wearing a stola; with a small mouth and eyes. 2.61 grams, 33.3 mm



Private collection, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK.

Including crossbow brooch fragments, insert panel with an incuse profile bust, horse appliqué and other items. 93 grams total, 5-46 mm



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

Shoe-shaped in plan with yellow studs, loop to the heel; pin-lugs and catchplate to the reverse. 4.98 grams, 41 mm



Found Cambridgeshire, UK. Ex Wiltshire, UK, collection, 1990s.