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LOT 0640
Large Roman Bronze Military Mount
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
5 2/4 in. (69 grams, 14 cm wide).
Composed of a central domed boss and openwork volutes to the sides; for a sword belt or a chariot.
ProvenanceAcquired 1960s-1990s.
Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
Cf. for baldric elements Miks, C., Studien zur Romischen Schwertbewaffnung in der Kaiserzeit, I-II Banden, Rahden, 2007, I, fig.62 (openwork plate with heart-shaped terminal); Boube-Piccot, C., Les bronzes antiques de Maroc, III, Les chars et l’attelage, Rabat, 1980, nos.202 (Rabat), 631 (Tanger), for chariot elements.
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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LOT 0640
Large Roman Bronze Military Mount
Estimate £150 - 200€170 - 230 (for guidance only)$200 - 270 (for guidance only)
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Roman Tinned Bronze Boar Brooch
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £176
With a deep bow, the footplate formed as the stylised snout of a boar, the neck bristles formed as a band of openwork loops on the bow; hinged pin. 14.7 grams, 51 mm
Found Essex. Property of an Essex, UK, detectorist. -
Roman Lead Coffin Panel with Sphinx, Medusa and Dolphins
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,820
Decorated with patterns comprising sphinxes, dolphins, and masks of Medusa in fields between columns, and floral border strips with laurel leaves. 19.75 kg, 90 cm
Acquired 1970s-early 1990s. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11993-209841.
There were many ways of burying bodies during the Roman Empire. Although the majority were buried without coffins, there is evidence for wooden coffins, lead-framed wooden coffins, tile burials and lead and stone coffins. This item belongs to types widespread in the Eastern Mediterranean. The panel is decorated with a columned structure, and within each section are symbols of the outer-world, including gorgons, sphinx and dolphins. The sphinx, having a human head and breasts, legs and paws of a lion, and wings of a bird, was generally associated with protecting imperial tombs and temples. The roundels featuring the head of Medusa, known for her potent gazes that could turn one to stone, was favoured on sarcophagi and architectural ornaments because it was believed that her image would protect those within. The dolphin was considered to ferry the souls of the dead to the afterlife. Very often these sarcophagi were connected by a pipe to the ground above so that mourners could pour in offerings into the grave. -
Roman Military Horse Harness Belt Fitting Group
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Comprising a massive buckle with two rectangular openings and pin, four rectangular appliqués and one pelta appliqué. 147 grams total, 30-64 mm
Acquired on the German art market before 2000. Property of a Surrey, UK, collector.
The assembly is linked to the horse harnesses of the 3rd century A.D., characterised by the presence of a peltate application and four decorative elements for the bridle or antilena/postilena straps, and by a massive buckle for the horse's girth strap.
