Roman Bronze Phallic Knife Guard

Finely engraved Roman carnelian intaglio showing nude winged Amor in front of a pillar with his weapons, helmet, shield, and spear, putting on a shin guard, standing before an altar, set in a later gold ring; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.55 grams, 21.09 mm overall, 18.46 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13323-258009.

This particular iconography shows the god of love arming himself, standing in front of an altar surmounted by a helmet, and with a hoplon shield at its bottom. He is putting a greave on his right leg, and a spear occupies the central part of the scene. Figuratively, Amor is maybe represented arming himself for a 'love deed'. But the scene can be referred to the battle against the Titans, to which all the Olympian gods took part.

Plano-convex in section with a series of impressed images, mainly a single bust in profile and two profile busts opposed, the placement eccentric but regular; repaired. 33.3 grams, 84 mm



From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. Accompanied by the original collector's data sheet(s) with reference no.A81; and original C.J. Martin invoice dated 4th November 1989.

Dscoid in plan with enigmatic legend to obverse 'ΟΡωΡΙΟΥΘ', reverse with incised schematic uterus(?) and tendrils. 1.25 grams, 15 mm



Acquired on the European art market, from a collection formed in the 1990s. Property of a London, UK, antiquarian.