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LOT 0658
Roman Bronze Horse-Heads Plate Brooch
CIRCA 4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 5/8 in. (14.8 grams, 40 mm).
Formed as four profile horseheads emanating from a central roundel; each head with a ring-and-dot eye and chevron mouth, and incised borders to the neck; to the reverse, the pin and catchplate. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired in the early 1990s.
Ex Property of a Cambridgeshire Gentleman.
Property of a Kent lady collector.
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.
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 Mixed Bow Brooch Group
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Including T-shaped, Langton Down, Dolphin, Colchester and other types. 63.8 grams total, 41-78 mm
Found Wiltshire, UK, before 1974. -
Roman Bronze Artefact Group
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Including nail-cleaner pendant, La Tène type fibula, trumpet brooch and other items. 129 grams total, 25-84 mm
Found various sites in Essex, UK. Property of an Essex collector. -
Roman Silver Phalera with Medusa
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £936
Discoid with fluted rim, central raised gorgoneion within scrolled tendrils. 13.8 grams, 59 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Military phalerae with representations of Medusa or the Gorgoneion were popular among the Roman army. They decorated horse harnesses and officers' armour. They were also used as appliqués for scabbards, caskets, or other items in military use. Our phalera is classical in style, recalling the style of the Gorgoneia of the Nemi's ship, and it could also have been used as decorative item for furniture.
