Roman Bronze Aussica Brooch

Comprising a flat-section hoop and rectangular panel, short shank and disc-shaped head with cruciform void and pellets in the interstitial quadrants. 3.98 grams, 17.81 mm overall, 15.08 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)



Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

Oval-shaped and polished, bearing an incuse figure of the goddess Minerva standing right, wearing a helmet and holding a spear. 0.57 grams, 13 mm



Ex private collection, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.

Each protome composed of a gently tapering shallow octagonal body, the upper part formed as an eagle's head with semi-naturalistic hooked beak, eye and feather detailing, collar at the base of the neck decorated with crenelated borders; two upward curving arms terminating with stylised cobra heads; one with impact damage from a crash(?). 2.1 kg total, 13-13.7 cm

Regular green patina, in general very fine condition, except the broken head of one cobra.

Private collection, Rosenheim, Germany, 1960s. 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 search certificate number no.11732-201194.

These chariot fittings were usually elements surmounting the axle, a sort of sheath allowing the suspension from the body of the cart to the wagon box using belts. The chariot (currus) which these fittings adorned may have been used for transporting wealthy and aristocratic individuals, although most probably it was a tensa, i.e. a triumphal chariot or a ceremonial vehicle upon which images and symbols of divinities were placed.