Roman Bronze Bird Brooch

Each elliptical in section in blue-tinted glass. 34 grams total, 70-71 mm



Acquired on the UK art market in the late 20th century A.D. From the private collection of the late David King (1940-2024), Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, UK.

A single-handled mould-blown pitcher, doubling as a sprinkler flask, the inner diaphragm at the junction of the neck and body with a small piercing to restrict the flow of liquid from the vessel; twenty individual ribs which radiate upwards from the pontil mark on the base towards the neck; flared and rolled rim, handle applied separately at the end of the process, formed from folded glass creating a scrollwork effect; one face of the pitcher shows the original rich green glass colour, while the other side has an area of milky oxidation. 191 grams, 13.5 cm



Originally in an old English collection. Ex property of a Florida, USA, gentleman.

Scholars sometimes call this rare type a 'squash glass', the reason for which is apparent when viewing the piece from beneath.

Comprising a length of round-section lead pipe attached to a domed plaque with lion-mask detailing. 2.48 kg, 19.5 cm



From the collection of a Buckinghamshire, UK, collector established from the earlier 1960s.