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LOT 0730
Roman Bronze Horse Brooch
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 in. (14.4 grams, 46 mm).
Formed as a standing horse with an arched neck, the front legs forming the pin-catch.
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Lead Votive Mirror
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Discoid with a grapevine decoration around the rim, two large scrolls flanking the ribbed handle. 32.5 grams, 90 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 32 grams total, 14-22 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' refers to a four-sided shape. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term ‘token’ is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets. -
Eastern Roman Dark Blue Gemstone with Rider to Left
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Discoid in plan with an incuse horseman figure. 0.26 grams, 9 mm
Property of a European gentleman, acquired from the estate of a London collector (formed before 2000).
