Roman Black Glass and Other Bead Necklace String

Comprising an equal-arm and saw-fish derivative type; including one brooch with remains of enamelling and two retaining their pins. 17.5 grams total, 23-49 mm



Found Billingsgate spoil from the Thames foreshore, London, UK.

Comprising four flat-section bracelets with overlapping rounded terminals. 68 grams total, 61-71 mm



From the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.

Bracelets were worn in Rome by ladies of rank, but it was considered a mark of effeminacy for civilian men to use such female ornaments (Suetonius, Caligula, 52; Nero, 30). The armillae (or psellia in Greek) were rings and bracelets worn by women in the Graeco-Roman world on both legs and arms. Homer mentions them (elikas) as being part of the hairstyle of the divine Aphrodite, thus giving an almost sacred character to these objects. There were different types, the most common consisting of a more or less thick metal wire, or a flat or cylindrical circle, like our examples.

Modelled standing in the round with naturalistic detailing, with curled horns and standing on an oval base. 11.2 grams, 22 mm high



‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.