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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.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Silver Crossbow Brooch with Dedicatory Inscription
4th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £278
Featuring rounded knops to the head, the bow with a dedicatory inscription in Latin letters 'VTER FELIX IURE VICTO'. 19.5 grams, 62 mm
Acquire in the 1990s. Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.
The dedicatory inscription 'VTERE FELIX', 'use it with good luck' or 'with happiness' is often found on Roman military artefacts, like belt fittings, brooches, and armlets; but it is rarely accompanied by 'IURE VICTO' inscription ([being the] rightful winner). The inscription is typical of the late Roman military world, but it can also refer to people using the brooch in civil duties, these fibulae being ordinarily gifted to the militia armata and non armata. -
Roman Gemstone with Ceres
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Oval-shaped with scene depicting the goddess Ceres seated right, holding a cornucopia and ears of corn with scales below, wearing a modius. 0.93 grams, 14 mm
Altstetten collection since 1969.
Ceres was a goddess of agriculture, maternal relationships and fertility, and represents transition, motherhood and nurture. She was also the only one of ancient Rome's agricultural deities to be listed amongst the Dii Consentes, the Roman equivalent to the Twelve Olympians of Greek mythology.
