Graeco-Roman Bronze Patera with Duck-Head Handle

Portion of a carved frieze with reserved border to the upper edge; panel with high-relief carving of youthful Phaethon in profile with mantle and himation, mop of curly hair, right arm extended holding reins extending to the mane of the horse at the right edge; drilled to accept mounting pegs. 1.05 kg, 17.2 cm



Private UK collection. Acquired in the 1980s. Property of a Cambridgeshire gentleman.

In the story, which appears in several versions, Phaethon was the son of Helios the sun-god who asked to validate his parentage by driving his father's chariot. Helios tried to dissuade him, but the youngster would not listen and eventually managed to take control, but was unable to master the horses and the celestial vehicle veered out of control - too close to the ground where it started fires and then too distant so that the ground froze. Eventually, Zeus took remedial action and hurled a thunderbolt, which killed the boy. His dead body fell into the river Eridanus, and his sisters, the Heliades, were turned to black poplar trees while they mourned him.

Modelled in the round, the god standing wearing a paenula, his two hands holding up the hem to support a pile of fruits on his erect penis; mounted on a custom-made stand. 116 grams total, 72 mm including stand



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Including a miniature T-shaped brooch, nail-cleaner, enamelled military belt mount and other items; many of these objects are published in the Detector Finds book series. 95 grams total, 20-77 mm



From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.