Late Roman Bronze Chi Rho Pendant

Group of three rectangular mounts each with a beaded border and low-relief motif. 12.2 grams total, 31-34 mm



Property of the vendor's grandfather, thence by family descent, circa 1985. From the private collection of a New York, USA gentleman.

Iron shoe with lateral curved plates with attachment rings rear panel with bar also for attachment. 363 grams, 15 cm



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

Hipposandals (soleae ferreae) were used on horses with injured hooves, a sort of equine orthopaedic shoe used by the mulomedicus, i.e. a Roman military veterinarian. Another important function was that to protect the hooves of the horse from injuries and damages from hard objects. The hippo sandal of type 1 was formed from a sub-oval plate which tapered towards the front and rear with projections at the front, back and on either side. The heel was upturned at about 45 degrees and flared outwards. It would have terminated with a downward facing hook, now missing. The base of the sole was flat.

Modelled in the round standing nude with left foot resting on a pillar, the hair dressed in flowing tresses with top-knot; mounted on a custom-made stand. 115 grams total, 82 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.

Depictions of Apollo in association with the Omphalos usually show him seated upon it, as seen in the coinage of Antigonus I, circa 280-261 B.C.