Roman Bronze and Silver Brooch Collection

The hoop misshapen with gently expanded shoulders and domed oval bezel engraved with a stylised bird standing right. 5.67 grams, 23.03 mm overall, 19.19 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)



From a European Dutch private collection circa 1970s. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance. Accompanied by a previous dealer's certificate of authenticity.

With wide flat bottom decorated inside with incised concentric circles, the internal concave surface retaining some of the silver coating; the central umbilicus still visible. 860 grams, 22.8 cm wide



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

This vessel (lanx) was part of Roman and provincial bronze instrumentum domesticum, i.e. culinary or domestic utility ware. Such cooking vessels are rare in such condition: some are found in central and northern Gaul, Italy, in Pannonia, Germany and in Britain. Specimens of precious metal, richly decorated and chiselled, sometimes adorned with reliefs, are mentioned by ancient authors such as Cicero (Ad Att., VI,1,13) and Ovid (Pont.III,5,20).

Modelled in the round with naturalistic detailing including collar, seated holding the right paw upwards; on a round base with loop to the rear, possibly a balsamarium or other high-status vessel lid. 37.8 grams, 40 mm



‘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.