Loading, please wait...
LOT 0126
Roman Bronze Dolphin Collection
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 - 2 5/8 in. (239 grams total, 33-68 mm).
Composed of dolphins worked in a variety of styles with stylised detailing; together with a scaled fish shooting water from its mouth and a dolphin holding a globe in its mouth. [6]
Provenance‘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.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Roman Bronze Animal Collection
Mainly 1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £333
Comprising: a dolphin head with stylised detailing; swan on discoid base; bird's head with hooked beak; bird standing on polygonal base, curved neck and slightly spread wings; head of another animal, possibly mythical; with a later Byzantine lock-plate with bird standing left. 292 grams total, 20-60 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. -
Large Eastern Roman Bronze Bust-Shaped Steelyard Weight
Circa 3rd-4th century A.D. or laterEstimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
Modelled in the round as a facing female with head turned slightly right, with semi-naturalistic facial detailing and dressed hair; lead-filled. 4.2 kg, 13.5 cm high
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
Steelyard weights in the form of human or deities faces were not uncommon in the Roman period (see SWYOR-DA4426, OXON-4391B5, HAMP-BD4D67 and NARC-7A7B81 on the PAS). These were generally filled with lead and had iron or copper suspension loops projecting from the top of the head. -
Roman Pale Green Glass Unguentarium
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
The lower body of piriform shape, cylindrical neck and everted rim; iridescent surfaces. 27.2 grams, 12.5 cm high
Acquired 1969-1999. From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, thence by descent.