Roman Bronze Annular Buckle

An iridescent glass unguentarium with piriform body, tubular neck with everted rolled rim. 6.65 grams, 69 mm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

Comprising one round-section in deep blue, one similar in deep red, and a D-section in pale blue/turquoise. 14.3 grams total, 42-55 mm



Formerly with a Bournemouth gentleman. Ex Essex collection. Property of a Scottish collector, acquired in 2013.

Bangles did not occur in a vacuum after the Roman invasion but were an integral part of globalising networks of cross-Channel trade and connections with the European mainland in the early first century A.D. According to J. Price bangles were first developed in southern Britain in the late Claudio-Neronian period (A.D. 43–65/70) and that in subsequent periods the craft of bangle-making quickly spread further north with the advance of the Roman army.

Modelled standing with head turned, fleece texture to the flanks; mounted on a custom-made stand. 42.8 grams total, 53 mm including stand



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.