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LOT 0729
Roman Bronze Dolphin Furniture Mount
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
3 3/8 in. (36.5 grams, 86 mm).
Formed with undulating profile, flange base with dentilled edge and fixing spike, mouth terminating in a triangular support pad. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Christie's London, A Peaceable Kingdom: The Leo Mildenberg Collection of Ancient Animals, 26th-27th October, 2004, pp.219-220, for similar.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Bronze Scallop Shell Attachment Pair
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £535
Each composed of shell-shaped body with a D-shaped lug to reverse, the lug with tapering spike to the centre. 343 grams total, 12.5 cm each
Private collection, Rosenheim, Germany, 1960s.
This pair could have been used as a double key or door lock, based on comparison with some keys from the territory of Gaul (Boucher, 1971, pp.200-201). They comprised a strong ring with polygonal-section stem and a rectangular point. -
Roman Bronze Helmet Handle
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Comprising a crescentic tapering shank with ribbed baluster to the centre; attachment points formed as wings with punched detailing. 65 grams, 92 mm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
Many such handles are formed as a pair of opposed dolphins, whence the conventional name 'dolphin mounts'. They were attached to infantry helmets so that they could be carried when not in use, or slung from a strap. -
Roman Amber Glass Unguentarium
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Squat amber glass vessel with piriform body and vertical ribbing, tubular neck with everted rolled rim. 21.8 grams, 63 mm
From a London gentleman's glass collection, UK, 1990s.
