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LOT 0608
Roman Bronze Applique of the God Apollo
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (16.9 grams, 30 mm).
D-shaped in section with hollow reverse, wreath to the brow; the eyes modelled shallow to accept silver appliqués. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx property of a late Japanese collector, 1970s-2000s.
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 Bronze Nymph Riding a Phallus
2nd-3rd century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £520
Figurine modelled in the round of a phallus supported on two zoomorphic legs with a smaller phallus to the rear, ridden by a nude female with her left hand gripping a separate object (absent), possibly a wine-cup; mounted on a custom-made stand. 42 grams total, 62 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.
Based on the amuletic tintinnabulum winged and two-legged phallus. -
Roman Miniature Glass Juglet
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Miniature ewer with biconvex body, strap handle and exaggerated mouth. 3.49 grams, 21 mm
From the collection of Mr S.M., London, UK, formed from 1969-1999. -
Large Roman Bronze Military Mount
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £120 - 170 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £65
Composed of a central domed boss and openwork volutes to the sides; for a sword belt or a chariot, one corner separated. 69 grams, 14 cm wide
Good condition, very rare
Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
In 3rd century A.D. the sword (spatha) was mainly carried suspended from a broad baldric usually on the soldier’s left side. This sword’s shoulder belt, visible on many monuments related to the 3rd century, was composed from a leather strap, reinforced on the rims. The four specimens of Vimose provided valuable information about the shape of the baldric: one end was broad and finished in a straight edge, the other tapered to a narrow strip. They were decorated with silver disks (phalerae) of circa 6.4 cm. of diameter, with rings on the reverse for fastening. These phalerae were of different shapes, styles and decorations: we can observe a range from simple copper-alloy discs to bronze openwork pieces fitted with a plate or an openwork disc showing elaborate figures. They were usually attached at about 29-30 cm from the wider and squared top of the baldric. One of the finial parts of the baldric was in fact very wide and ended with a straight edge, upon which could be placed a hinged rectangular openwork terminal plate (like our specimen), attached to a belt terminal pendant. The lack, in our specimen, of holes for the attachment rivets could also support the thesis that the piece is not for a baldric, but a mount for cart or chariot as some examples in a similar style found in Roman North Africa.
