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LOT 0960
Late Roman Iron Branding Signaculum
5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
14 3/4 in. (521 grams, 37.5 cm).
Featuring an elaborate monogram composed of Greek letters M and O, supported by decoratively twisted prongs; tapering cylindrical socket. [No Reserve]
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. The 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 Glass Vial
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Wide domed body with flat base, tall narrow piriform neck and splayed rim. 42 grams, 14 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1980-1990s.
The lachrymatous (or lacrimal vase or unguentarium) was a vial of glass that contained ointments or perfumes. These small vessels, often found in Roman tombs, were formerly supposed to have been bottles into which mourners dropped their tears. Instead they contained perfume and unguents, and the large quantity of vessels found in tombs is due to the use of unguents at funeral ceremonies. -
Roman to Post Medieval Bronze Artefact Collection
1st-20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Including a running hound figure, eating hare, ribbed disc and other items, most on display stands. 586 grams total, 23-73 mm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. -
Roman Glass Double Unguentarium
3rd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Pale green iridescent glass, two tapering tubes with rolled, everted rims, applied lateral triangular handles. 78 grams, 11 cm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.
