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LOT 0709
Late Roman Iron Branding Signaculum
5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
11 5/8 in. (343 grams, 29.5 cm high).
Featuring an elaborate monogram composed of Greek letters M, A, T and P on three supporting prongs; 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 owner, 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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Roman Hare Gemstone
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Carnelian with intaglio leaping hare with hindlegs extended; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.78 grams, 11 mm
From the collection of a Swiss gentleman formed in Europe from 1970-1980s; thence by descent from the family in London. -
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Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Opposed Busts
Late 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
With two opposed profile male and female busts; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 1 grams, 16 mm
From the collection of a Swiss gentleman formed in Europe from 1970-1980s; thence by descent from the family in London. -
Roman Blue-Green Glass Vessel
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Bulbous with flat base, tall neck and splayed lip. 39 grams, 77 mm high
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The ampulla was, in Ancient Rome, a small round vessel, usually made of glass and used for sacred purposes. The term can also refer to later flasks, often flatter and without handles, typically used as pilgrim souvenirs. Materials include glass, ceramics and metal. An unguentarium is a bottle believed to have been used to store perfume. Such vessels were often produced in Gaul.
