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LOT 0731
Roman Bronze Helmet Handle
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
3 5/8 in. (65 grams, 92 mm).
Comprising a crescentic tapering shank with ribbed baluster to the centre; attachment points formed as wings with punched detailing. [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. Appels, A. & Laycock, S., Roman Buckles and Military Fittings, Witham, 2007, item AA.4.8, for type.
FootnotesMany such handles are formed as a pair of opposed dolphins, whence the conventional name 'dolphin mounts'. They were attached to infantry helmets so that they could be carried when not in use, or slung from a strap.
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 Bronze Apollo Statuette
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Modelled in the round standing nude with left foot resting on a pillar, the hair dressed in flowing tresses with top-knot; mounted on a custom-made stand. 115 grams total, 82 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.
Depictions of Apollo in association with the Omphalos usually show him seated upon it, as seen in the coinage of Antigonus I, circa 280-261 B.C. -
Roman Pale Blue Glass Vessel
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Wide bell-shaped body with flat base, tall tapering neck, splayed rim with folded lip; pale blue glass; traces of an old collector's label. 205 grams, 14 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1980-1990s. -
Roman Glass Grape Flask
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £598
Narrow mouth with squared rim, short cylindrical neck extending to a wide shoulder with applied strap handles, the ovoid body moulded with ten rows of stylised grapes; some iridescence; old collector''s label to underside '4187 TD'. 50 grams, 97 mm
From the private collection of a French Count in the 19th century. Ex Thierry de Maigret, April 2010.
The neck has the appearance of having been reduced in height and ground off flat at the rim, while the applied handles are an unusual feature on this type of vessel. The examples in the Corning Museum have a much taller neck and flared rim to the mouth.
