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_900x900.jpg "Roman Bronze Military Compass and Tweezers Multi-Tool")
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LOT 0761
Roman Bronze Military Compass and Tweezers Multi-Tool
CIRCA LATE 2ND-4TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/2 in. (19 grams, 90 mm).
Featuring a compass and tweezers, free-moving collar to one arm, one arm with two oval terminals and one tapering to a point.
ProvenanceAcquired before 2000.
From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. Beutler, F. et al., Der Adler Roms. Carnuntum und der Armee der Cäsaren, Bad-Deutsch Altenberg, 2017, item 639, for type.
FootnotesThis instrument, a type of circinus formed of two flat-section arms, was widely used by masons and carpenters, as well as for making wall decorations for the preparation of repetitive elements such as spirals or circles. It was widely used by the agrimensores of the army, as is proven by a very similar specimen found in Carnuntum, the camp of the Legio XIIII Gemina.
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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Comprising: kräftig profilierte brooch with carinated collar to the bow, spring chord intact; P-shaped bow brooch with returned foot forming the catch; P-shaped bow brooch with running guilloche to the bow. 61 grams total, 37-73 mm
The P-shaped brooch acquired from Coincraft, London, UK. From the private collection of Kenneth Machin (1936-2020), Buckinghamshire, UK; his collection of antiquities and natural history was formed since 1948; thence by descent. Accompanied by an original certificate of authenticity from Coincraft. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Roman Silver Cochlearium Spoon
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With 'swan-neck' junction; facetted, round-section tapering shank; shallow bowl shaped like a flask in profile. 19.7 grams, 17.5 cm
Property of a Bedfordshire, UK, private collector. Accompanied by an illustrated collector's identification tag. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The spoon's shaft tapers to a point; it was used for extracting seafood or snails from their shells. Spoons executed in precious metals were highly valued items in this period in history, so much so that historians and classicists see them recorded in inventories compiled for noble households. Cochlearia like this one have even been discovered in treasure hoards. The absence of Christian symbolism or of a Christian inscription on this spoon might suggest that it dates from a pre-Christian era, or that its owner/commissioner was pagan. -
Graeco-Roman Bronze Patera with Duck-Headed Handle
3rd century B.C.-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £250 - 350 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
The bowl with a convex outer face and notched lip, decoratively waisted handle with addorsed duck heads to the apex of the suspension loop; base of bowl absent. 314 grams, 30 cm
Acquired in Europe before 1995. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
