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LOT 0675
Roman Bone Pin Collection
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
2 7/8 - 5 5/8 in. (18 grams total, 7.3-14.4 cm).
Each with hipped and tapering shank; balustered and other finials; one with blue glass collar to the shank. [5, No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Crummy, N., Greep, S., Hassall, M., Henig, M., Major, H., Webster, G., Wild, J.P., Colchester Archaeological Report 2: the Roman small finds from excavations in Colchester 1971-1979, Colchester, 1983, pp.19ff., for similar.
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:
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Roman to Medieval Bronze Ring Collection
1st-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Including bezel with 'JA' monogram, lozenge bezel with punched points and other types. 30.7 grams total, 18-26 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Piriform Glass Flask
Circa 1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £140
With piriform body on a flat base, tubular neck and tapering flat rim. 37 grams, 14.2 cm
From a London, UK, collection of glass, 1970-2000s. -
Roman Silver Ring with Early Christian Gemstone
4th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £585
D-section hoop, elliptical in plan, with raised oval bezel set with a jasper intaglio engraved with inverted Greek inscription 'IXΘYC' (ichthys, meaning 'fish"), a Greek acronym for 'Jesus Christ, Son of God; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 9.18 grams, 21.91 mm overall, 18.68 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)
Private collector, acquired in the early 1990s. Private collection, England.
The term ichthys is the equivalent of the ancient Greek: ixθus, ichthýs ('fish'), used by early Christians to refer to Jesus Christ. For this reason, the fish symbol was very common in the catacombs of Rome. In particular, the ichthys is one of the oldest Christian symbols that has come down to us. Used covertly by Christians to mask their faith from Roman persecutors, when a Christian encountered a stranger whose loyalty he needed to know, he would draw one of the arches that make up the ichthys in the sand. If the stranger completed the sign, the two individuals recognised each other as followers of Christ. The symbol was also drawn on the doors of the houses of Christian families. Its use spread in the 3rd century to personal effects such as the ring offered here.
