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LOT 0080
Greek Silver Phalera with Dionysus
3RD-2ND CENTURY B.C.
1 1/2 in. (5.28 grams, 41 mm).
Discoid in plan with returned rim, guilloche to the outer field and egg-and-dart to the dome; central bust of Dionysus modelled in high-relief with garland in his hair.
ProvenancePrivate collection, assembled in the 1950s-1970s, thence by descent.
LiteratureCf. similar phalera with gorgoneion in the British Museum under accession no.1854,0717.23.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Greek Silver-Gilt Phalerae Depicting a Fight Between Gryphons, an Eagle and a Deer
Hellenistic, 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £31,200
A pair of circular horse trappings hammered from sheet-silver, each with a decoration of two gryphons and an eagle slaughtering a deer, the gryphons attacking the deer from below, and the eagle attacking its muzzle, a tree in the background; accompanied by a custom-made display case. 62 grams total, 13.2 cm
Private German collection, 1980s. Accompanied by an expertise from Striptwist Ltd, a London-based company run by historical precious metal specialist Dr Jack Ogden. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.13038-248044.
This phalera comes from the Hellenised East, and was likely used as decoration of the higher part of a horse harness, like the phalerae visible on the armoured and unarmoured horses of the famous graffiti of Dura Europos representing Parthian, Palmyrene or Roman clibanarii (D’Amato-Negin, 2018, pp.11,16-17,26). -
Etruscan Carnelian Scarab with Hercules at a Fountain in Gold Ring
3rd century B.C.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £750
Hoop made from D-section wire with coils to the shoulders, scarab bezel with carapace detailing and intaglio of a standing nude figure of Hercules holding a club and amphora at a stream, enclosed by a roped border. 5.73 grams, 22.52 mm overall, 18.68 x 16.58 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, England. -
Greek Silver Ring with Hydra Heads
4th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
With a flat-section hoop, each finial formed as an offset serpentine head; hollow to the underside. 1.35 grams, 19.95 mm overall, 14.77 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
