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LOT 0648
Roman Bronze Crossbow Brooch
4TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/4 in. (21.8 grams, 56 mm).
With onion-knop finials, gusset to the bow, chamfered sections to the foot, hinged pin to the reverse. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Beck, H. et al., Fibel und Fibeltracht, Berlin, 2000, fig.119(7), 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 Bronze Helmet Fragment with Hand Holding a Plumed Staff
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Rim fragment with moulded detailing. 5.93 grams, 49.95 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Silver Ring with Carnelian Gemstone with Inscription
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £351
Keeled hoop with expanding angular shoulders, set with a red carnelian intaglio bearing the inscription 'KAPTE / PIOV'; possibly a marriage. 9.99 grams, 30.43 mm overall, 17.55 x 12.88 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G 1/2, USA 3 1/2, Europe 5.55, Japan 5)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 32 grams total, 14-20 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four-sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term token is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets.
