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LOT 0760
Large Eastern Roman Bronze Bust-Shaped Steelyard Weight
CIRCA 3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
5 1/4 in. (4.2 kg, 13.5 cm high).
Modelled in the round as a facing female with head turned slightly right, with semi-naturalistic facial detailing and dressed hair; lead-filled.
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
See Biddle, M. & Henig, M., A Jupiter temple (?) outside the west gate of Venta Belgarum and the development of Winchester’s western suburb, London, 2018; Allason-Jones, L. & Miket, R., Catalogue of Small Finds from South Shields Roman Fort, Gloucester, 1984.
FootnotesSteelyard weights in the form of human or deities' faces were not uncommon in the Roman period (see SWYOR-DA4426, OXON-4391B5, HAMP-BD4D67 and NARC-7A7B81 on the PAS). These were generally filled with lead and had iron or copper suspension loops projecting from the top of the head.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0760
Large Eastern Roman Bronze Bust-Shaped Steelyard Weight
Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
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Roman Bronze Steelyard Balance with Severed Celtic Head Weight
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
Comprising a round-section arm with pierced lug finial, notches to the upper face, suspension ring, counter weight formed as stylised head with gaping mouth and bowl-cut hair. 86 grams, 11.8 cm
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. -
Roman Early Christian Terracotta Oil Lamp
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £211
With decorated bow shaped nozzle, large central filling-hole surrounded by a dotted ridge, shoulder decorated by geometric patterns; the handle shaped as a human face representing a head of Christ or a saint. 64 grams, 10 cm
Collected from 1970-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.
The lamp seems to be a variant of the type Beit Nattif lamps, usually with pyramidal handle (here substituted by a head of a saint or Christ) and a reddish slip on the upper part. This was the most widespread type of lamps in use in Judaea in the Late Roman Period. -
Romano-Celtic Bronze Horse and Rider
Circa 1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
Modelled in the round, male with legs in straddling pose wearing a tight-fitting coat, left hand thrust forward and right arm raised with hand open; head with shoulder-length hair, horse in prancing pose with incised bridle, crupper and other harness and impressed pellets for medallions; provided with a contemporary stand. 113 grams total, 6.5 cm high
Private collection, Chichester, acquired before 2000.
