Loading, please wait...
LOT 0619
Roman Bronze Epigraphic Codex Ansatus Model
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (63.7 grams, 33 mm).
Rectangular with two supporting bars to the underside, extended loop above; enigmatic (Greek) letters to all faces.
Provenancewith Hotel des Ventes, Drouot, Paris, France.
From the collection of Mr H. Naudy, Paris, France.
Acquired at between 2004-2010.
Property of a French collector.
Cf. Willi, A., Manual of Roman Everyday Writing Volume 2, Writing Equipment, Nottingham, 2021, fig.5, for similar object on a sculpture.
FootnotesThis small counter-weight bears letters indicating numbers: on one of the short sides Α (1), Δ (4), Χ (600); on the other short side they worn and difficult to read; and on one of the longer sides Υ (400), φ (500). The other letters are challenging to read, but the object would have been used as unit of measure. Another possibility is that it belonged to a statuette of a man holding a codex ansatus (box with a handle for carrying writing tablets).
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 Fresco Wall Plaster Collection
1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Second style, painted in red, blue and cream, one with leaf motifs. 622 grams total, 5.7-11.6 cm
Acquired in the 19th century. Ex Jeger collection, Switzerland.
These small fragments, showing similarities with fragments of Pompeii, seem to belong to the second style of Roman painting, red panels profiled with black lines representing highlight and shadow. The panels were probably framed by a green fillet. A couple of fragments show two fields in alternated red and blue. -
Romano-British 'Colchester' Mortarium Sherd Group
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Including mainly rim fragments, one with the pouring lip; on marked 'Colchester / CM/23', another with 'Col / CM/19'. 1.64 kg total. 11-29.5 cm
Found Colchester, UK. From the collection of a late East Anglian teacher and antiquarian who retired to the Isle of Wight in Hampshire, UK. He amassed a large collection of objects between the 1960s-1980s. -
Romano-British Legionary Terracotta Tile Fragment Group
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
Group of three terracotta fragments with impressed stamps '[..]NVAC', 'LEG.AVG' and one marked freehand '[..}LITOF[..]'. 1.46 kg total, 13-15.4 cm
Found UK. From the collection of a late East Anglian teacher and antiquarian who retired to the Isle of Wight in Hampshire, UK. He amassed a large collection of objects between the 1960s-1980s.
The bricks belonged to the famous Legio II Augusta, (Legio II Gallica Augusta Sabina Britannica Felix) which since the 43 A.D. until the 5th century A.D. were linked to Britain. Its headquarters were at Isca Augusta or Isca Silurum (Newport in South Wales) and in the Late Empire at Rutupiae (Richborough). Traces of this legion were still found in Sub-Roman Britain and Sub-Roman Gallia in 5th-6th centuries A.D.
