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_900x900.jpg "Roman Bronze Horse Head Whorl Brooch")
_200x200.jpg "Roman Bronze Horse Head Whorl Brooch")
.jpg "Roman Bronze Horse Head Whorl Brooch")
LOT 0838
Roman Bronze Horse Head Whorl Brooch
3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 in. (16.7 grams, 45 mm).
Swastika-shaped fibula with horse-head decoration, each head with punched ring-and-dot eye, a similar motif to the centre. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired before 2000.
From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
Cf. Petcu, R., ‘Swastika-shaped fibulae with horse-head decorations (Almgren 232) from the Roman period in Dobrudja (Moesia Inferior)’ in Studia Antiqua et Archaeologica, 25(1); pp.113–122, fig.4.
FootnotesIn the 3rd century A.D., several examples of fibulae in the shape of four horses’ heads forming a swastika (type Almgren 232) seem to be related to the creation of the Illyrian cavalry corps in Roman army. Many examples of these military fibulae were found in ancient Roman Dacia (Romania), in Roman Illyricum and Moesia.
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 Gold Ring with Gemstone for Servius
Mid 3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
With balustered hoop, broad shoulders with scrolled foliage detailing, discoid bezel with cell, inset nicolo gemstone with reversed 'SER/VIV' for SER(VI) VIV(AS) inscription in seriffed capitals, meaning 'Long may you live Servius'. 11.63 grams, 20.37 mm overall, 16.48 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)
UK private collection formed before 2000. Ex North London, UK, gallery. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.11995-211017.
'Serviu[s]' is a second declension praenomen (Glare, P.G.W., A Latin Dictionary, London, 1968-82, page 1,746/3) apparently based on the noun 'servus' (servant, minister, office-holder). The name was in use in Consular and Imperial times, and was the patronym of important Roman Gens, like the Gens Servilia. -
Romano-Celtic Bronze Statuette of a Warrior Wearing Torc
Circa 1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Modelled in the round, standing with right leg bent, right arm raised and left extended before the body; with thick tousled hair, exaggerated torc to the neck, jacket with incised vertical lines, tight-fitting trousers and ankle-boots. 53 grams total, 67 mm
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 pose of the figure suggests that he is in the action of brandishing a weapon, or possibly holding the reins of a team of horses pulling a chariot. Caesar mentions the expert use of the war-chariot by the Britons (Conquest of Gaul, IV.33). The padded garment suggests a Celtic auxiliary in the Roman army. -
Roman Bronze Square-Shaped Bell
Circa 1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Of quadrilateral form, with a rectangular cross-section at base, tapering to a rounded dome with large integral suspension loop with five facets to the outer face; clanger absent. 162 grams, 82 mm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
The Romans used bells in ritual and secular contexts, when they could be suspended from the necks of animals, worn for talismanic protection or as anklets by servants.
