Roman Bronze Finger Ring

Comprising a square-section tapering body with lateral stub arms; head of Mercury (Greek Hermes) above with applied twisted gold collar, low-relief shoulder panels, genitals modelled in the round, low-relief horned figure below. 27 grams, 52 mm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12103-218207.

This object, was likely votive and perhaps belonged to a small domestic altar of the Roman imperial era, reproduced in miniature size a Hermaic pillar. These were terminals made of stone or wood which were often placed on the roads, near crossings; they served to indicate the right path and therefore were supposed to protect travellers when traveling. In Roman times, these pillars were often topped with busts or portraits and were also found in the gardens of wealthy homes; gods (Hermes and Bacchus in particular) or philosophers were the subjects thus represented.

Tiered disc bezel with central gammadion within a ring, surrounded by '+F+E+L+I+X' legend (in Latin, 'happy' or 'fortunate'). 8.11 grams, 24.40 mm overall, 18.18 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.

The ring was probably a gift to wish happiness and good luck, the inscription being a short form of 'utere felix'.

Matched pair of appliqués each a bust of the goddess Diana modelled in the round with hair dressed tight to the head, tunic and strap for a quiver passing over the right shoulder; the eyes formed oversize to accept silver inserts. 94 grams total, 60 mm each



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.