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LOT 1029
Late Roman Bronze Tweezer Group
CIRCA 4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/4 - 2 7/8 in. (21.8 grams total, 57-73 mm).
Comprising three pairs of tweezers, each with linear and dot decoration, one with an absent arm. [3]
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1029
Late Roman Bronze Tweezer Group
Estimate £100 - 140€120 - 160 (for guidance only)$140 - 190 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£50 (EUR 58; USD 68) +BP*
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Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 34.2 grams total, 15-23 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' suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four-sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. 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. -
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Male Portrait
1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Bids: 2 | Current Bid: £10
Oval translucent intaglio with a profile of a young male wearing a cap. 0.45 grams, 10 mm
UK private collection assembled 1970s-90s, and thence to the liquidated state of above. -
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Roman Gold Ring with Engraved Agate Gemstone
1st century A.D.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £750
Hollow-formed with inset banded agate cloison, intaglio vine-leaf motif. 3.26 grams, 23.66 mm overall, 18.15 x 14.73 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)
Private collection, acquired on the German art market in 1993; thence by descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13184-249301.
These rings were characterised by an oval opening with a flat rim for a banded agate gem, which tapered towards the top.
