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LOT 0858
Roman Bronze Flying Phallus
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
2 5/8 in. (99 grams total, 67 mm high including stand).
Amuletic model phallus with swept lateral wings; mounted on a custom-made stand. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom 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.
Cf. Beutler, F. et al., Der Adler Roms. Carnuntum und der Armee der Cäsaren, Bad-Deutsch Altenberg, 2017, item 757, for type.
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:
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Roman Lead Coffin Fragment with Sphinx, Medusa and Dolphins
2nd-3rd century A.DSold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
Decorated with a high-relief pattern comprising sphinxes surrounded by dolphins and masks of Medusa surrounded by laurel leaves all between Corinthian columns; ropework and floral border strips with laurel leaves above; lip below the upper edge. 20.1 kg, 101.5 cm
Acquired 1970s-early 1990s. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
This item belongs to types widespread in the Eastern Mediterranean. The panel is decorated with a columned structure, and within each section are symbols of the outer-world, including gorgons, sphinx and dolphins. The sphinx, having a human head and breasts, legs and paws of a lion, and wings of a bird, was generally associated with protecting imperial tombs and temples. The roundels featuring the head of Medusa, known for her potent gazes that could turn one to stone, was favoured on sarcophagi and architectural ornaments because it was believed that her image would protect those within. The dolphin was considered to ferry the souls of the dead to the afterlife. -
Large Romano-British 'Yorkshire' Jet Gaming Dice
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
Cuboid with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. 7.87 grams, 14 mm
Found Yorkshire, UK. Ex N. Du Quesne Bird collection. Acquired 8 July 1996. From the important private collection of dice and gaming pieces of Colin Narbeth, London, UK, collection no.50. Accompanied by a Colin Narbeth catalogue identification card. -
Roman Bronze Brooch and Other Item Group
3rd century A.D. and earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £85
Mixed group including P-shaped bow brooches, Langton Down type brooch, flint scraper with old label 'Clactonian/Bainfield/Swanscombe/1916' and other items. 143 grams total, 29-60 mm
Property of a Gloucestershire, UK, collector. Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman.
