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LOT 0761
Roman Bronze Lock Bolt
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 in. (19.3 grams, 60 mm).
The rectangular plate with differently sized horizontal and vertical extensions, five sub-square perforations. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the London art market, 1980s-1990s.
LiteratureSee Crummy, N., Colchester Archaeological Report 2: The Roman small finds from excavations in Colchester, 1971-9, 1993, Colchester: Colchester Archaeological Trust Ltd; cf. The Portable Antiquities Scheme Database, record id. YORYM-4B1B73, for similar.
FootnotesThis bolt would originally have been associated with a tumbler mechanism; the matching teeth of a slide key would slide into the cut-outs of the bolt replacing the tumblers and allowing the bolt to be drawn.
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 Hare and Hound Brooch
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Composed of an openwork plaque with two inverted panels each depicting a hound with a hare in its mouth; remains of pin lug and catchplate to reverse. 14.9 grams, 42 mm
Acquired prior to 1980. From the UK art market. -
Roman Bone Dice Pair
2nd-4th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £169
With ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:3, 4:5. 10.2 grams total, 14 mm each
Ex collection of a UK gentleman formed in the 1990s. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Silver Cochlear Spoon Inscribed 'May You Live in God'
Circa 4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
Composed of a decoratively twisted slender stem with onion knop finial and roughly D-shaped neck formed as the arched neck of a horse, the restored oval bowl bearing a Latin inscription '[V]IVASINDEO' to the interior, the underside gently carinated. 13.5 grams, 13.4 cm
Ex Garcia collection, France, 1990s-2000s.
According to the British Museum, the inscription corresponds to the phrase 'Vivas in deo', meaning 'May you live in God'. This inscription was common in the Roman Empire and especially in Roman Britain after the advent of Christianity. A small Roman silver disc, thought to have been part of a signet ring, dated to 4th-5th century and found near Swaffham, is inscribed 'Antonius, may you live in God (Antoni, vivas in Deo)'. It is highly possible that our spoon, if a liturgical object, was used to administer Holy Communion.
