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LOT 0175
Roman Bronze Legionary Eagle Staff Finial
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
3 1/8 in. (236 grams, 81 mm).
Comprising a hollow-formed knop with collar to the socket, eagle modelled in the round perching on the knop with wings spread and head turned; socket behind the shoulders.
ProvenanceAcquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent.
Private collection, since the late 1990s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12238-222314.
Cf. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 271, for type.
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 Bone Gaming Dice Pair
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Each cuboid with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. 3.92 grams total, 10 mm each
From a Cambridgeshire, UK, collection, 1990s. -
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Sasanian Carnelian Gemstone of a Fantastic Creature with Pahlavi Legend
4th-5th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Plano-convex in section with advancing winged and horned beast, Pahlavi legend to the border; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.32 grams, 10 mm
Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.
Fanciful combinations of various human and animal heads, sometimes with the addition of other elements, are generally called grylloi. These fantastic devices were more than mere artists' fancies and were worn by the ancient Romans and others for their supposed efficacy in averting the evil eye. -
Roman Silver Eagle Holding a Deer
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
The eagle standing with its wings folded, erect head with natural facial detailing, claws gripping the body of a reclining doe with raised head and pricked ears. 21.5 grams, 38 mm high
Acquired in the 1980s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.
The motif of an eagle and a stag or a deer is typically associated with the God Jupiter/Zeus Dolichenus and his wife Juno Dolichena, name derived from his sanctuary in Doliche, Anatolia. Jupiter Dolichenus was a soldier god, usually portrayed wearing full military attire and standing on a bull, while his consort would have been shown standing on a deer or stag.
