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LOT 0694
Roman Bronze Medical Spatula
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
8 1/8 in. (12.1 grams, 20.5 cm).
Comprising a rounded leaf-shaped finial, round-section shank with rounded tip. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound Nottingham area, Nottinghamshire, UK.
Acquired from Ancient & Oriental, UK, circa 2002.
Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK.
See Milne, J.S., Surgical Instruments in Greek and Roman Times, Oxford, 1907.
FootnotesCatheters, spatulas, ear spoons, incisory instruments, spoons and spoon catheters, forceps, pincers, scissors, needles and elevator scalpels/dissectors, knives, phlebotomies, chisels, lenticulars and retractors were included among the medical instruments of antiquity which displayed considerable diversity.
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 Artefact Group
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Including lead weights, acorn finial, Colchester-type bow brooch and other items. 547 grams total, 7-53 mm
Found Cambridgeshire, UK. -
Roman Historic Cut & Polished Porphyry Slice Group
1st-5th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £104
Comprising three lacquered porphyry slices of rectangular shape, cut on both faces and polished on one face; probably from recycled material mined in ancient Roman times between the 1st and 5th century A.D.; intended for use as inlay panels. 81 grams total, 5.8-12.2 cm
From Egypt. Ex Mineral Imports, London, UK. Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd (Gregory's).
Mons Porphyrites (today Jabal Abu Dukhkhan) is the mountainous site of a group of ancient quarries in the Red Sea Hills of the inhospitable eastern desert in Egypt, a five day trip from the Nile during Roman times. They were discovered by Caius Cominus Leugas in 18 A.D., and during the Roman Empire the mines officially belonged to the emperor and were the only known source of the Imperial Porphyry, Mons Porphyrites. This dark purple stone was associated with royalty and used for prestigious sculpture and architecture. The location of the mines was lost some time in the 5th century, and rediscovered in the early 19th century. Excavations in the area have revealed the well-preserved quarries and the dwelling places of the quarry men, and also thousands of ostraca have been discovered containing messages that provide details of how the quarrying took place, and of how the highly skilled quarrymen ordered their food. -
Roman Glass Unguentarium
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
With plano-convex body (damaged) and dimple base, tall slender neck, folded rim; iridescent surface. 24.6 grams, 12 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
