Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0705
Late Roman Iron Branding Signaculum
CIRCA 3RD-6TH CENTURY A.D.
8 in. (233 grams, 20.2 cm).
Displaying a monogram composed of Latin letters A and R; tapering round-section socket. [No Reserve]
Provenance
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
Literature
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.
Footnotes
The signacula used for branding were distinguished primarily by the presence of a relatively long metal arm, which could reach a length of 50 cm. This arm could sometimes be hollow to allow the insertion of a wooden handle. The presence of the long arm constitutes the main indication for the use of these signacula in the context of branding. Its length allowed the user to keep a safe distance from the source of heat.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
.jpg)
Roman Bronze Lioness Figure
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £700 - 900 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £350
Modelled in the round crouching with one forepaw held aloft, stylised detailing to the animal's coat, head, face and paws. 130 grams, 54 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection. -
.jpg)
Roman Tinned Bronze Decorated Casket Key
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
With broad circular bow, barrel-type shank with pierced bit, mandrel to the upper bow. 4.49 grams, 41 mm
Fine condition.
Found Cambridgeshire, UK. -
Large Roman Pale Green Glass Cinerary Urn
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,680
Of piriform shape with everted rim, gently chamfered upper lip and concave underside; lid with bevelled rim, gently dished upper face rising to a central dome and cylindrical handle with piecrust pleats; iridescent surfaces. 831 grams total, 29.5 cm high
Ex Sangiorgi collection, acquired in the 19th century. with Christie's, 3 June 1999, lot 121. The remains of a 19th/early 20th century label can be seen on the glass on one side. with Christie's, New York, 9 December 1999, lot 476. American private collection, Westchester, New York, acquired in 1999. with Bonhams, London, 30 September 2015, lot 91. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.203222.
A similar jar in the British Museum was found in Warwick Square, London, inside a lead canister, and was originally filled with bone ashes. The Romans often re-used glass jars, originally made for storing liquids and foodstuffs, as cremation vessels, but this kind of jar seems too fragile and was therefore probably purpose-made. The lead canister, which was found with the jar from London, protected the glass and bones. Georgio Sangiorgi is one of the most famous names associated with the field of ancient glass collecting. Working from the Galleria Sangiorgi in the Palazzo Borghese, Sangiorgi acquired the most magnificent collection of ancient glass, seeking only the finest examples.
