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LOT 0644
Roman Bronze Phallic Dagger Quillon or Pendant
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
2 1/8 in. (25.5 grams, 55 mm).
With a rectangular plaque with central void, phallus to one short edge and a stylised fist to the other. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
See for a bronze phallic element of same typology, Metropolitan Museum of Art, no.60.11.71.
FootnotesIn the Roman world the phallus was symbol of luck or fertility, and it as well was believed to have apotropaic functions. Pendants, amulets and small objects were worn by all sorts of people as symbols of protection, especially from young children according to Varro and Pliny the Elder. The phallus is commonly found on reliefs, frescoes and lamps from the Graeco-Roman world. This object can have been the quillon of a small dagger, but also hung as a charm from a tintinnabulum, a wind chime adorned with bells and intended to ward off evil.
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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LOT 0644
Roman Bronze Phallic Dagger Quillon or Pendant
Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
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Roman Gold 'Talismanic' Ring with Inscriptions
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,200
Comprising chamfered sloped shoulders and ellipsoid bezel; engraved with later blundered Latin legends in capitals: left shoulder - ‘REBET ?IA SESTE’ (It is rebated), bezel - ‘VIVAS CVM CAECI’ (Live with Caecus), right shoulder - ‘CAFELIX ET CVM RTIO’ (Safe and comfortable). 3.80 grams, 18.19 mm overall, 14.94 mm internal diameter (approximate size British F, USA 2 3/4, Europe 3.67, Japan 3)
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13044-248372.
The ring is extensively engraved with the following Latin words and approximate translations: Left shoulder - ‘REBET ?IA SESTE’ - It is rebated. Bezel - ‘VIVAS CVM CAECI’ - Live with Caecus. Right shoulder - ‘CAFELIX ET CVM RTIO’ - Safe and comfortable. The Latin expression can be understood as part of a personal protective message. -
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Roman Cameo of a Female Head in Gold Ring
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £750
Inset cameo with finely detailed chignon hairstyle; set in an 18th century gold finger ring. 2.73 grams, 18.12 mm overall, 15.02 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)
Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, England. -
Roman Sardonyx Cameo of Fish and Shrimp
2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,600
Ellipsoid plaque with reserved fish with scale detailing to the flank, shrimp with segmented body. 0.90 grams, 17 mm
Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.
