Large Roman Amber Glass Vessel

Tabular in form with punched dimple, incised lines and other markings. 160 grams total, 9-30 mm



Ex Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK, in the 1990s. From a North London collection.

With single-edged blade gently curving towards the tip; applied bone handle with diagonally striated banding. 38.1 grams, 17.5 cm



Found near Wetwang, East Yorkshire, UK. Acquired from the finder in 2007. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman.

Tools which cannot be assigned to one of the more specific categories, such as agricultural or military equipment especially knife blades, tool handles, and hones. Three methods of attaching a handle to the tang of a knife or tool are distinguishable in the Roman culter. Rivetting was used on two-piece handles (like in our specimen). Driving the tang into the marrow-cavity of the bone, which was usually packed with wood-shavings, so that the irregularities of cancellous tissue and the wood-shavings prevented the tang from twisting or slipping out (often a collar was also used with this method). Lastly, the tang could be fixed to the handle by means of an iron clip.

Presenting the hem of a pleated robe, the sandaled feet of the figure emerging from beneath, with semi-naturalistic anatomical detailing, resting on a plain base. 7.1 kg, 24 cm



Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private collection since 1998. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11624-198973.