Loading, please wait...
LOT 0732
Roman Bone Gaming Dice Pair
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
3/8 in. (2.9 grams total, 8.5-9.8 mm).
Each cuboid in form with ring-and-dot markings disposed: 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the important private collection of dice and gaming pieces of Colin Narbeth, London, UK, collection no.47.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Roman Sardonyx Snake Gemstone in Medieval Gold Ring
4th-5th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £845
The tapering gemstone with attractive brown and white banding, intaglio motif of a rearing serpent flanking reversed letters T and C, the body coiled and forming an infinity sign; set in an eastern medieval gold ring with a keeled hollow-form hoop of heavy construction, and applied stepped bezel. 12.73 grams, 31.46 mm overall, 18.56 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P , USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
Private collection, USA. From the Alexander Gallery, New York, USA, in the early 2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12107-214337.
The image on the gemstone can refer to a simplified representation of the radiant serpent-god Chnoubis, invoked to cure stomach ache and heartburn. According to the Greek physician Galen, when worn as an amulet, it benefitted the stomach and the oesophagus. -
Roman Bronze Eagle on Bull's Head Statuette
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Comprising an altar with a severed head of a bull on the top and an eagle perching on it; hollow to the underside, four stub feet to the angles. 46.4 grams, 58 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.
The image of an eagle on the severed head of a bull was probably connected with the cult of Jupiter Dolichenus. -
.jpg)
Roman Bronze Hand-Shaped Military Standard Finial
1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £5,000 - 7,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,500
Hollow-formed with fine detailing to the fingers and nails; with fixing points for a military standard (signum) used by each unit under a centurion, originally fixed with the palm facing forwards inside a wreath. 718 grams, 21 cm
Generally intact and good defined, except for the lower part.
Acquired in Europe before 2000. European private collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12003-211851.
Roman military signa decorated by phalerae and surmounted by a right hand are visible since the Late Consular Age. The hand (manus) symbolised the fides, i.e. the allegiance between the soldiers and the Res Publica. It is also possible that the hand belonged to a statue in which it was extended as a sign of silence, to allow the speaker to speak. However, the iconography of military hands, and also the resemblance with a bronze hand (military signum) preserved in the Vindonissa museum (Windisch), support the possibility that the object was part of a military standard.
