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LOT 0813
Roman Bronze Bracelet Group
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/2 - 3 in. (72 grams total, 63-75 mm).
Comprising five with round-section bodies and squared terminals; the surface decorated with engraved lines and dots. [5, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.
LiteratureCf. Boucher, S., Inventaire des Collections Publiques Françaises - 17 Vienne: Bronzes Antiques, Paris, 1971, pp.118-119, nos.125-126, for similar specimens.
FootnotesBracelets were worn in Rome by ladies of rank, but it was considered a mark of effeminacy for civilian men to use such female ornaments (Suetonius, Caligula, 52; Nero, 30). The armillae (or psellia in Greek) were rings and bracelets worn by women in the Graeco-Roman world on both legs and arms. Homer mentions them (elikas) as being part of the hairstyle of the divine Aphrodite, thus giving an almost sacred character to these objects. There were different types, the most common consisting of a more or less thick metal wire, or a flat or cylindrical circle, like our examples.
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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Late Roman Iron Branding Signaculum
5th-6th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £40
Featuring an elaborate monogram composed of Greek letters M and O, supported by decoratively twisted prongs; tapering cylindrical socket. 521 grams, 37.5 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
Branding stamps or signacula, in particular those with large single letters, were used for marking livestock to identify the ownership, the breed, the quality and other features of the animal. The signacula were usually made in bronze, but iron examples are also preserved. -
Roman Bronze Cockerel on Base Appliqué
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Modelled with feather detailing on a tiered base. 49 grams, 46 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. -
Roman Bronze Phallic Pendant
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Formed as a stylised and erect phallus with integral suspension loop. 13.75 grams, 31 mm
Acquired on the German art market around 2000s. From the collection of an EU gentleman living in the UK.
