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LOT 0630
Roman Bronze Oil Lamp
3RD-5TH CENTURY A.D.
2 5/8 in. (106 grams, 67 mm).
With broad sloping shoulder and concave discus with raised circular ridge, central hole; three radiating suspension loops and stub nozzle with flat rim; base with incuse circular grooves.
ProvenanceEx collection Mr.
K.H., Germany, Private collection, acquired in 2012.
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, accession number 62.10.2, for a similar lamp hook dated to the 5th century AD.
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 Die
Circa 1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Cuboid dice with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. 2.2 grams, 12 mm
Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection, 1990s. -
Late Roman Bronze Ring with Coronation of an Emperor
4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
Large size ring with D-section hoop and an oval bezel with a profile bust of an emperor, standing Victory before him holding a wreath above his head. 3.03 grams, 24.96 mm overall, 22.06 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 37.4 grams total, 17-20 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' refers to a four-sided shape. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term ‘token’ is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets.
