Roman Bronze Balsamarium Lid with Swan

The intaglio with a donkey (mule?) grazing, body facing right; Latin inscription on the verso ‘EVM’ (him). 0.98 grams, 12 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.

Donkeys were used by the Roman army from circa 200 B.C. but mules, the hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, were to become the most important working animals for the military and were used to pull heavy artillery such as catapults. It has been estimated that there were probably half a million mules serving in the Roman army by the time of Augustus (31 B.C.-A.D. 14). DNA studies have now shown that mules may have comprised up to 50% of the equids in the Roman Empire. The use of pack-mules for the army continued in the Eastern Roman army until the fall of Constantinople.

Of discoid form with filigree and pellet outer border, crimped and twisted wire borders within, central filigree scrolls with granules, central circular cell; suspension bar and loop applied to reverse. 1.95 grams, 20 mm



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.

Modelled in the round with naturalistic detailing, lying slightly curled, possibly asleep. 17.2 grams, 37 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.