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LOT 0883
Polished Imperial Porphyry Gaming Piece Set
ROMAN, 4TH-6TH CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
1 in. (273 grams total, 25 mm each).
A group of large twelve hand cut and hand polished globular gaming pieces. [12]
ProvenanceAcquired in the 1990s from the Bath Antiques Centre, Somerset, UK.
From the private collection of a Somerset gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Lead Cnaeus Pompey Battle of Munda Slingshot
1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Facetted lentoid-section sling shot (glans) with inscription in Latin letters 'CN' (Cneius) 'MAG' (Magnus) on one side, and 'IMP' for 'IMPERATOR' (victorious general) to the other side, i.e Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus Imperator (Pompey the Great the victorious general). 80.4 grams, 46 mm
Previously from a private Spanish collection. Ex London, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by a copy of a Spanish export licence.
The shot (Völling type 1C) is marked with the abbreviated name of Gnaeus Pompey; it was used in quantity at the Battle of Monda (or Munda) against Julius Caesar, 17th March 45 BC. The projectiles could be of different material: in lead (glandes) or in pottery or stone (lapides missiles). Sometimes they were signed with the name of the general, as is our specimen. -
Roman and Other Yellow Glass Bead Necklace String
1st-4th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £65
Composed of graduated mixed beads, with larger beads as a central feature; restrung. 13.16 grams, 38 cm
From London, UK, gallery collection, 1990s. -
Roman Chrome Chalcedony Intaglios in Double Bezel Gold Ring
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
One intaglio carved with the image of an elderly man seated before a column, the other with the figure of the sun god Sol; set into a later gold ring; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 7.59 grams, 23.27 mm overall, 19.02 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13131-248400.
Chrome chalcedony was widely used in jewellery and seals throughout the Roman Empire; it disappeared from use in the ancient world in the 2nd century when the known deposits were mined out.
