Loading, please wait...
LOT 0600
Roman Bronze Horse-Headed Brooch
3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 in. (7.4 grams, 37 mm).
Plate brooch with four radiating horse-heads on curved neck, central rosette motif, pin and catch to the reverse. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx Cambridgeshire, UK, collection, 1980s.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Late Roman Glass Pendant of a Seated Cloaked Male
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Modelled in the round, seated cross-legged on a rectangular base, featuring semi-naturalistic facial and anatomical features and an exaggerated phallus; suspension loop to reverse. 9.13 grams, 36 mm high
Fine condition.
Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent. -
Roman Silver Dolphin Terminal
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Modelled with a raised tail and stylised anatomical features; mounting knop to base. 7.2 grams, 25 mm
From the collection of an EU gentleman formed in the 2000s. Acquired on the UK market. -
Roman Bronze Military Monkey
4th century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £444
Modelled seated on a polygonal base wearing a paenula, the right hand placed on the left shoulder, head tilted to one side, right hand placed on a stela or lantern. 23.9 grams, 34 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
The monkey is bearing a military sagum with cucullus and is holding beside him a squared lucerna. This representation can be a Roman military mascot or simply a grotesque. In 2001 in Spain, at Llivia, remains of Barbary apes with military belt buckles typically related to the late Roman period were discovered. The discovery of this type of belt buckle in a human grave would suggest that they were once a part of this army, so the fact that some were given to a Barbary ape means that the apes played a military role, for example, acted as targets to distract the enemy, or were used in type of a combat or for defence. Apes were also a very common form of pet in the Graeco-Roman world.
