Roman Bronze Military Belt Fitting

Square in section with pyramidal ends, impressed spots disposed on the flat faces: 1, 3, 6, 9. 5.9 grams, 15 mm



Found UK prior to 2000. From the important private collection of dice and gaming pieces of Colin Narbeth, London, UK, collection no.54. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Celtic & Roman Artefacts book pages where this object is published.

Second style painted in cream and red, some with decoration. 527 grams total, 6.7-11.8 cm



Acquired in the 19th century. Ex Jeger collection, Switzerland.

These small fragments, for analogies with the fragments of Pompeii, seems to belong to the second style of Roman painting, red panels representing highlight and shadow, decorated with vegetal interlaces. Some panels were probably framed by a red grenade fillet. A fragment shows alternate blue and red colour over a cream background, maybe pertinent to a socle.

Comprising a large edge section with impressed olive tree, with details of branches, fruit and foliage. 87 grams, 17 cm



Acquired 1960s-1990s. From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

The representation of an olive tree on this sigillata is not casual. In the early Imperial period the export of the Adriatic olive oil, following the amber road, moved from Aquileia to the provinces of Roman Pannonia. During the 3rd century, the production of the Spanish olive oil reached the Northern Roman provinces. Olives were transported in particular amphorae and served with specific vessels, distinguishing the black olives (olivae nerae) from the white olives (olivae albae).