Late Roman Bronze Ring with Flatbed Garnet Gemstone

Ellipsoid with chamfered edge, incuse grazing horse image on a baseline; set into a later gold ring; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 7.72 grams, 23.21 mm overall, 18.46 x 18.02 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13165-248341.

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 35.5 grams total, 16-21 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' refers to a four-sided shape. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term ‘token’ is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets.

With bulbous biconvex body, basal ring, tapering neck with stepped mouth and rounded rim, ribbed strap handle to the rear. 1.19 kg, 21.5 cm



From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent.