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LOT 0637
Roman Balance Scales Pair
CIRCA 4TH CENTURY A.D.
8 in. (93 grams, 20.2 cm wide).
A set of copper-alloy balance scales composed of a hook and shaped bar suspending a link chain at each end, each single chain diverging into three shorter chains supporting a shallow dish. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired in the late 1990s-2000.
Property of an East London gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Seal Box Collection
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
A mixed group of bronze seal boxes and parts, one with a spread-eagle motif in high-relief. 30.7 grams total, 25-46 mm
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection. -
Roman Military Baldric Fitting
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
A copper-alloy military baldric phalera of crescentic form, with scrolled terminals and openwork centre; remains of mounting lugs to reverse. 25.2 grams, 75 mm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK. -
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Roman Terracotta Bust of a Boy
1st-century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £351
A terracotta bust of a boy mounted on an integral channeled plinth base, modelled with semi-naturalistic facial features and a cropped hairstyle, wearing a bulla and a sash over the left shoulder. 341 grams, 17 cm high
Ex private German collection, 1960; thence by descent. with Auktionshaus Owl, Bielefeld, Germany, 5 September 2015, Lot 40605.
In ancient Rome, the bulla was an amulet given to every boy nine days after his birth. The meaning, origins and use of the bulla are in some ways enigmatic and still a subject of research for scholars. The bulla was worn around the neck during childhood and adolescence. Depending on the social status and wealth of the family who commissioned it, different materials were used; on rare occasions it was made fully in gold, if the child belonged to a family of the high Roman aristocracy, or more commonly made in lead covered with a gold foil. The bulla was also made for the poorer classes in lesser materials, such as fabric or leather.
