Roman Bronze-Handled Iron Key

Lug handle to rear, deep discus with a dome filling hole, another filling hole to the side; wide shoulder with low-relief laurel wreath; low basal ring and incised maker's mark in Greek letters (ΗΙϹΧΛ). 138 grams, 11.8 cm



Acquired on the European art market, 1980s. English private collection.

This form of lamps is characterised by their shoulder decoration - a laurel wreath. This decoration may be treated realistically or be stylised. Both groups appear on lamps found in Italy. The hypothesis that they might only be African imports is contradicted by the signature on many lamps of L.C A E S A E, a prolific Italic lamp maker (late Antonine and early Severan); his products are scarce in North Africa.

Advancing wearing an ankle-length toga drawn over the head as a cowl, the left hand supporting a partly-unfurled scroll; mounted on a custom-made stand. 149 grams total, 88 mm high 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.

The statuette represents a priest dressed in a tunic and large cloak, the hem of which covers the head (capite velato). His right hand had to hold a portion of incense, while with his left hand he holds a container for the same incense.

Group of Roman bronze coins fused in place; mounted on a custom-made stand. 90 grams total, 60 mm high 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.