Life-Size Roman Marble Finger Fragments

Including fragment of greyware pottery rim, glass oblate and other beads, a bone phallus amulet and other items; with late 19th century handwritten label 'Pottery / Roman Camp/ Capchoke' and 'Mr Stirling / St Boswells' inked to verso, along with postage tag attached with Victorian postage stamp stamped 'St Boswells 5th July 1896'. 48 grams total, 79 x 59 x 34 mm



Found at Camp Capchoke in the 19th century. From the collection of Mr Stirling of St Boswells, UK, circa 1896, thence by descent. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. Accompanied by a handwritten provenance note.

St Boswells is situated a few miles from Melrose, Scotland. Gadrooned beads like the ones here illustrated are found in 1st and 2nd century contexts and seem to have been introduced into this country at the conquest. Most are made of turquoise frit, which often decays to white. The dark blue glass here illustrated finds a perfect parallel with a specimen found in Colchester.

With facetted hoop and rectangular plaque, legend 'DME / RGVR' (D(eo) ME/RCVRI(o) (RI in ligature): ‘To the god Mercury), in rustic capitals. 10.59 grams, 25.88 mm overall, 21.00 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)



Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From an East Anglian private collection.

The inscription is to be segmented 'D MERGVR for D[EO] MERGVR[IO]' meaning '(dedicated) to the god Mercury'. A common formula for Roman inscriptions in Britain.

With a possibly later inset red jasper plaque with incuse gryphon supporting a shield or spoked wheel. 9.94 grams, 23.87 mm overall, 16.67 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.