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LOT 0938
Roman Bronze Crossbow Brooch
4TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/4 in. (51.5 grams, 84 mm).
With three facetted onion-shaped knops to the headplate and pierced scrolls to the upper face, deep bow, rectangular footplate with chamfered sides and scroll detailing, hinged pin to reverse and catch to rear of footplate.
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Bayley, J. & Butcher, S., Roman Brooches in Britain: A Technological and Typological Study based on the Richborough Collection, London, 2004, items 289, 290, for type.
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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Roman Gold Ring with Turquoise
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £176
Slender shank, gold cell with corrugated rim, inset turquoise stud. 0.68 grams, 18.61 mm overall, 13.15 mm internal diameter
Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s. -
Large Roman Bronze Staff Finial with Bust of Serapis
Circa 2nd century A.D.Estimate: £50,000 - 70,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £22,222
With luxuriant long wavy hair and characteristic vertical locks at the forehead, full beard with two large ringlets below the chin, wearing a chiton and a himation draped over the left shoulder, the head surmounted by a corn modius decorated with olive branch in relief, the bust supported on the back of an eagle standing atop an orb with spread wings, the eagle with its head slightly turned to the left, the feathers finely detailed; a finial from a staff or a ceremonial standard; repaired. 1.4 kg, 29.5 cm high
Repaired.
Ex private collection, South Germany, 1980. with Gorny and Mosch, Munich, 13 December 2003, no.74. with Christie's, New York, 8 June 2012, no.239 (US $120,000-180,000). 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.11789-206489.
The Emperor Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.) modelled many of his portraits based on Serapis. But it was under Hadrian that the refurbishment of the statue in the Serapeum increased the demand for small-scale images, like this one, probably made during his reign and used atop of a processional sceptre or standard for the cult of the god. -
Roman Silver Ring with 'God of War' Gemstone
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,105
With tapering shoulders, inset ellipsoid carnelian intaglio of Mars advancing wearing a Corinthian helmet, carrying a spear and dolabra over one shoulder. 8.06 grams, 21.79 mm overall, 13.64x16.29 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I 1/2, USA 4 1/2, Europe 8.07, Japan 7)
European art market.
