Roman Bronze Eagle Finial

The intaglio with a donkey (mule?) grazing, body facing right; Latin inscription on the verso ‘EVM’ (him). 0.98 grams, 12 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.

Donkeys were used by the Roman army from circa 200 B.C. but mules, the hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, were to become the most important working animals for the military and were used to pull heavy artillery such as catapults. It has been estimated that there were probably half a million mules serving in the Roman army by the time of Augustus (31 B.C.-A.D. 14). DNA studies have now shown that mules may have comprised up to 50% of the equids in the Roman Empire. The use of pack-mules for the army continued in the Eastern Roman army until the fall of Constantinople.

The bronze handle modelled as the forequarters of a panther leaping from a crown of fronds, with stylised facial detailing; iron stem, bit and wards. 74 grams, 77 mm



Acquired on the German art market around 2000s. From the collection of an EU gentleman living in the UK.

On burnt sard or carnelian, the goddess fully draped, seated on a throne without a back and holding out wheat ears in her hand over what seems like a small conical altar with horns. 1.40 grams, 18 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.

Ceres was a goddess of agriculture, maternal relationships and fertility, and represents transition, motherhood and nurture. She was also the only one of ancient Rome's agricultural deities to be listed amongst the Dii Consentes, the Roman equivalent to the Twelve Olympians of Greek mythology.