Loading, please wait...
Details
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.
Provenance
with 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.
Literature
Cf. Willi, A., Manual of Roman Everyday Writing Volume 2, Writing Equipment, Nottingham, 2021, fig.5, for similar object on a sculpture.
Footnotes
This 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).
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman Bronze Statuette of Mercury
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Standing nude with winged petasos to the head, in contrapposto pose; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 66 grams total, 85 mm including stand
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.
Mercury was the god of trade and industry, whose principle shrine in the city of Rome was at the Circus Maximus. Equated with the Greek Hermes he became the god of tradesmen and merchants. He was also the god of thieves and was associated with healing, mainly in Gaul, where he had a number of important temples connected to sacred springs, This statuette was probably a votive offering to one of this temples. -
Roman and Other Bead Necklace
1st-4th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £20
Restrung designer necklace comprising spherical, oblate and other types. 19.4 grams, 47 cm
Acquired on the London, UK, art market in the 1990s. Ex London, UK, gallery. -
Roman Bronze Ring with Victory Motif
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
With broad plaque, central impressed motif of Victory standing with wings to rear. 5.29 grams, 23.46 mm overall, 19.82 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
