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Details
LOT 0678
Roman Bronze Dolphin Mount
CIRCA 2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
2 in. (29.4 grams, 50 mm).
Casket foot formed as a dolphin with trident tail pierced for attachment, incised ring-and-dot eyes, tiered rectangular base. [No Reserve]
Provenance
Property of the vendor's grandfather, thence by family descent, circa 1985.
From the private collection of a New York, USA gentleman.
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