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LOT 0673
Late Roman Iron Branding Signaculum
5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
11 1/4 in. (396 grams, 28.5 cm).
Featuring an elaborate monogram composed of Greek letters A and E, rectangular section bar and tapering cylindrical socket.
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
See Baratta, G., 'Roman Signacula / Una particolare categoria di signacula: marchi per legno, pellame ed animali', in Mayer, M., Olive, G., Baratta, G., Guzman Almagro, A. (ed.), XII Congressus Internationalis Epigraphiae Grecae et Latinae, Barcelona, 2007, pp.99-108, figs.3, 7, for similar stamps
FootnotesBranding stamps or signacula, in particular those with large single letters, were used for marking livestock to identify the ownership, the breed, the quality and other features of the animal. These signacula were usually made in bronze, but iron examples are also preserved.
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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Gallo-Roman Bronze Mercury Statuette
1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £222
Modelled standing nude with stylised anatomical detailing, stylised wings on the head, right hand shrouded beneath a flattened area with horizontal grooves holding the purse, the other clenched into a fist. 43 grams, 59 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired 1970s. Ex UK collection. Property of a Portsmouth, UK gentleman.
Likely an ex-voto figure representing Mercury (Greek Hermes) holding a purse, clearly offered by someone to ask or give thanks for successful vows. -
Roman Bronze Ring with Bird
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Large disc bezel with standing bird and cross(?) within a ring, flanking discs with saltire in a ring. 2.87 grams, 23.05 mm overall, 20.44 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U, USA 10, Europe 22.52, Japan 21)
Ex Garcia collection, France, 1990s.
The bird probably represents the dove symbolising the Holy Spirit. -
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2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Composed of a domed discoid body adorned with six lobes to the perimeter, enamelled cells of alternating colours; pin lug and catchplate to reverse. 15.9 grams, 26 mm
Found in the UK in the 1980s. Ex property of a Hampshire, UK, gentleman.
