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LOT 0796
Roman Bronze Bear-Head Dagger Pommel
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 in. (29.5 grams, 44 mm).
Hollow-formed with acute lower jaw, triangular muzzle, gusset and rounded rim to the socket-mouth. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceProperty of a Gloucestershire, UK, collector.
Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman.
See similar mounts in shape of eagle from Cerne Abbas, in Worrell, S., Worrell, 'Roman Britain in 2005. II. Finds reported under the Portable Antiquities Scheme', in Britannia, 37 (2006), pp.429-466, p.457, fig.27
FootnotesThe function of the animal head terminal in the form of a stylised eagle or griffin head found in the canabae at Caerleon was interpreted as
a possible pommel for a sword or other weapon due to the rectangular hole at the top of the head for a tang or other attachment.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Bronze Crossbow Brooch
4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
With three onion-shaped knops on the crossbar and stepped upper face, narrow bow, rectangular footplate with catch to the reverse, hinged pin. 31.3 grams, 69 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Bronze Artefact Group
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Including a bronze tweezer set, openwork key, and gladius sword amulet. 46 grams total, 3-13.9 cm
Property of the vendor's grandfather, thence by family descent, circa 1985. From the private collection of a New York, USA gentleman. -
Roman Bronze Eagle with Base
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Modelled in the round on a square base with gusseted sides, standing with head turned and wings spread. 104 grams, 47 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12239-222315.