Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0727
Roman Bronze Openwork Brooch Group
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 - 1 5/8 in. (18.5 grams total, 32-40 mm).
Comprising: one of four crescents around central lozenge, complete with pin and catchplate to reverse; a discoid example displaying crescent and comma-shaped openwork. [2, No Reserve]
Provenance
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
Yellow Sapphire Gemstone of Commodus in Later Gold Mount
Roman, 2nd century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
The naturalistic pale yellow sapphire engraved with the bust of the emperor in profile right. 4.93 grams, 24 mm
Acquired in the 1980s. Ex European collection. Private collection of a London antiquarian.
The reign of Commodus (177-192 A.D.) is typically associated with the end of the period in Roman history, the golden era of peace. He initially reigned jointly with his father Marcus Aurelius (177-180 A.D.), and later alone. Commodus cultivated a personality cult which culminated in his performance as a gladiator in the Colosseum. He was eventually assassinated by a wrestler in the baths, marking the end of the Nerva-Antonine Dynasty. He was succeeded by Pertinax. -
Large Roman Terracotta Amphora
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
Two large strap handles to the shoulders, fusiform body, shallow flange below the rim; with a custom-made display stand. 8.35 kg total, 64.5 cm high (91.5 cm high including stand)
Acquired 1970s onwards. Private collection of Michael O'Hara, Cambridgeshire, UK. Ex private collection of Benjamin Hyde-Smith, Hertfordshire, UK. -
Large Roman Bronze Basilisk
4th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £278
The upper body, neck and head of a mythical basilisk (cockatrice), modelled in the round with the body of a serpent and head of a cockerel, the body with a tapering round-section profile, stylised detailing to the head. 260 grams, 88 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
The basilisk, known from the Renaissance onwards as a cockatrice, was a Graeco-Roman mythical two-legged dragon or serpent-like creature with a cock's head. It had the reputed ability to kill people by either looking at them, touching them, or sometimes breathing on them. According to legend a cockatrice would die instantly upon hearing a rooster crow, and having a cockatrice looking at itself in a mirror was one of the few sure ways to kill it.
